Niagara and Erie County Radiological Assessment

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is conducting a radiological survey of Niagara and Erie counties in New York State.

Western New York was a hub for the manufacturing of atomic weapon components during World War II and other industries using or producing radiological materials, using materials that contained naturally occurring radioactive material.

This initiative is being performed out of an abundance of caution to provide the most current and scientific information to complement a similar aerial radiological survey of the region that was previously conducted in 1984 that assessed the extent of potential use and distribution of byproducts and waste material containing radiological radioactive material.  

The current survey will supplement the prior data and be used by State and federal experts to guide any follow-up on-the-ground surveys and sampling. DEC, the State Department of Health, and EPA are coordinating this effort and will continue to keep the community informed as this evaluation progresses.

Aerial Survey – Phase 1

The first phase of the radiological survey took place in late 2023 and summer 2024 and was conducted by a single-engine, low-flying plane called the Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology (ASPECT). The plane was equipped with a suite of sensors for measuring potential radiation sources. The various sensors on the plane worked together to generate data that will help assess the presence of material at ground level that could contain radiological radioactive material.  To conduct the survey, the plane traveled a carefully planned linear grid pattern over Erie and Niagara counties at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL). In the first phase of the radiological survey, DEC and EPA did not identify any areas of immediate concern. 

Roadway Survey – Phase 2

The second phase of the radiological survey was conducted with an EPA truck equipped with sensors for measuring potential radiation sources beginning in summer 2025. The areas investigated in the roadway survey included locations of historical byproducts and waste material use. Detection equipment included the same suite of sensors that measured potential radiation sources from the air as part of the first phase of the survey. The sensors on the truck generated data to supplement data captured from Phase 1 to evaluate radiological activity at ground level.

Ground Survey – Phase 3

The third phase of the radiological survey started in fall 2025 and is ongoing. Phase 3 involves on-the-ground surveys of selected areas determined to need additional assessment from the initial data collected in Phases 1 and 2. DEC and EPA staff are conducting the screening surveys using handheld, drone mounted and all-terrain vehicle-mounted equipment. Phase 3 will evaluate radiological activity at ground level and ascertain whether the potential source of any findings is naturally occurring or from a man-made source. DEC and EPA are committed to safeguarding health and safety and will ensure strict adherence to safety measures during this phase, as was done throughout the first two phases. 

Resources

July 20, 2026: FINAL Monday July 20 NECRA Community Meeting Presentation

July 1, 2025: DEC and U.S. EPA Announce July 7 Start of Vehicle-based Survey of Erie and Niagara Counties

June 21, 2024: DEC and EPA Announce June 24 Resumption of Aircraft-Based Survey of Erie and Niagara Counties

September 29, 2023: DEC and EPA Announce Oct. 2 Start of Aircraft-Based Survey of Erie and Niagara Counties

View a map of the Phase II NECRA roadway survey (PDF). 

For more information and updates on the aerial radiological survey, contact DEC’s Region 9 headquarters at (518) 712-8279, or by email at: [email protected].