May 30, 2024
New York Issues Philips Lighting Plant Cleanup Update
Above: Remediation crews work on glass-containing areas in 2015. Image Credit: New York State
Efforts to remove mercury, PCBs and other hazardous substances from site continue
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has published a comprehensive update detailing the ongoing environmental cleanup at the former Westinghouse and Philips Lighting plant in Bath, New York, a small town approximately 80 miles south of Rochester. This document aims to update the public on remediation activities at the site, provide access to relevant project documents, and offer contact information for project and health-related inquiries.
The industrial history of the Bath site dates back to the early 1950s when the Westinghouse Electric Corporation established the facility. Spanning 75 acres and featuring a 335,835 square-foot manufacturing space, the plant was primarily used for producing light bulbs and related lighting products. In 1984, Philips Electronics North America acquired Westinghouse, continuing operations until the plant's closure in early 2014. After failing to find a buyer, Philips (now Signify) opted for demolition, which concluded in 2022.
The environmental issues stem from historical manufacturing practices, leading to soil contamination with hazardous substances such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic, and trichloroethene (TCE). Buried manufacturing debris, including glass cullet, metal, wire, and various fill materials, further complicated the remediation efforts.
Ongoing Cleanup Activities
The NYSDEC fact sheet outlines several key remediation steps currently being undertaken to address the contamination:
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Soil and Debris Removal: Contaminated soil, concrete slabs, and asphalt pavement are being systematically removed. The process includes excavating and properly disposing of materials off-site to eliminate sources of pollution.
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Clean Soil Cap Installation: A clean soil cap will be constructed over more than 140,000 square feet to prevent exposure to any remaining contaminants and to restore the site's usability.
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Implementation of Interim Remedial Measures (IRMs): Specific IRMs will target various contaminants and structures to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. These measures are designed to mitigate immediate risks while long-term solutions are developed.
To safeguard workers and nearby residents during the cleanup process, a site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and a Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) have been implemented. These plans ensure that air quality and safety standards are maintained throughout the remediation activities.
Following the completion of the IRM cleanup activities, Philips North America will submit Construction Completion Reports to NYSDEC. These reports will certify that the cleanup requirements have been met. Future remedial actions will focus on addressing any remaining groundwater contamination to ensure the site's full restoration and safety.
