SEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (5201 G) July 2000 Superfund Redevelopment DSIrs /o Peter Cooper Landfill # //C/tO Gowanda, NY EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Initiative (SRI) is a nationally coordinated effort to facilitate the return of Superfund sites to productive use by selecting response actions consistent with anticipated use. The SRI Pilots are intended to help local governments enhance their involvement in the Superfund decision-making process by assisting EPA in predicting future land uses for Superfund sites. Under the Pilot Program, EPA will provide up to $100,000 in financial assistance and/or services to local governments for specified activities. Applicants are offered several types of program assistance, including funding through a cooperative agreement, access to facilitation services, and/or the availability of personnel under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). BACKGROUND EPA selected the Village of Gowanda, New York, for a Superfund Redevelopment Pilot. Gowanda is home to the 26-acre Peter Cooper Landfill Superfund site, which borders the Cattaraugus Creek at the entrance to Zoar Valley, a state wildlife preserve. The Peter Cooper Corporations (PCC) plant manufactured animal glue in Gowanda from 1904 until 1972, and industrial adhesives from 1972 until the plant closed in 1985. Between 1925 and October 1970, PCC used the northwest corner of the property to pile sludge from the manufacturing process. The waste contains elevated levels of chromium, arsenic, zinc, and some organic compounds. In September 1997, EPA added the site to its list of hazardous waste sites needing cleanup. OBJECTIVES The Village of Gowanda plans to use Pilot funds to develop a reuse plan that fits both short-term and long- term community needs, including improving recreational facilities. They also want to increase the opportunity for public involvement and consensus-building through community focus groups, newsletters, and coordination with state and federal agencies. PILOT SNAPSHOT Peter Cooper Landfill Albany Applicant Name: Gowanda, NY Site Name: Peter Cooper Landfill Date of Selection: July 2000 Anticipated Award: Cooperative Agreement ($100,000) Profile: The village will reach community consensus and develop a plan to reuse the site for recreational activities. Contacts: Dan Forger Superfund Hotline: U.S. EPA Region 2 (800) 424-9346 or (212) 637-4402 (703) 412-9810 (DC Metro Area) forger.dan@epa.gov reuse.info@epa.gov Visit the EPA Superfund Redevelopment Web site http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/pilot.htm ------- |