Project Name: Hercules Inc./Dyno-Nobel Site
NYSDEC Project ID: 356001
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to a careful and thorough clean-up of the Hercules Inc./Dyno-Nobel Site located at 161 Ulster Ave., Ulster Park, Ulster County.
In March 2019, DEC held a public meeting to discuss a proposed final cleanup remedy for the site. Based on significant public interest shown at the meeting, DEC paused selection of the cleanup remedy, which has given the agency additional opportunities to share site information, answer questions and gather information from the public, as well as provide an overview of DEC's cleanup process. This update serves to educate the public on recent activities undertaken and planned at and near the site.
Recent Activities at the Hercules Inc./Dyno-Nobel Site
Summer 2024
On or about May 17th, 2024, DEC was notified about a significant soil disturbance downstream of the Hercules Inc./Dyno-Nobel State Superfund Site. The Town of Esopus was removing garbage and debris, and re-grading the creek bank area which led to the disturbance of the potentially contaminated soil and sediments. The town was ordered to cease and desist construction activities to prevent additional soil disturbances, as well as cover areas of soil disturbance and install temporary fencing in order to stabilize the areas of soil disturbance.
Out of an abundance of caution, DEC conducted additional soil sampling for metals along the creek in the vicinity of the elementary school on May 24, 2024. DEC collected 12 surface soil samples from the disturbed area in the vicinity of the school for analysis for the mercury and copper, which were found in previous investigations in the off-site areas. The Surface Sample Summary Figure (June 2024) can be found in the link provided in “Site Related Document” section below.
As a result of the disturbance, portions of the data collected during the investigation of the off-site Plantasie Creek corridor during 2022 and 2023 may no longer be present in representative locations. Supplemental sampling may be warranted to recharacterize the nature and extent of target metals concentrations within the limits of disturbance.
Summer 2022 and 2023
Under DEC oversight, Hercules Inc./Dyno-Nobel undertook investigation north of the site within the Plantasie Creek corridor, to determine the nature and extent of site-related contamination in the creek floodplain and within the creek. Preliminary data from samples collected in October 2023 and recently received by DEC indicate potential areas with levels of metals in the stream and floodplain soil above the state guidance values and standards. Based on the review of the reports, additional investigation and action may be required.
