USA: EPA Issues Record of Decision on Grasse River Dredging

Alcoa (AA) confirmed that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) on the remediation of the Grasse River that is consistent with the Proposed Remedial Action Plan issued in October, 2012.

Alcoa, USEPA, the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other parties have been evaluating remedial alternatives to address elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish in the lower Grasse River for more than 15 years. The ROD requires dredging and capping of contaminated sediments in a 7.2 mile stretch of river. The estimated cost of the remediation is $243 million, which Alcoa has fully accrued.

“Alcoa has worked cooperatively with the EPA to address the PCB sediments in the Grasse River, and we are pleased to see this final step in the remediation decision process completed,” said Kevin Anton, Alcoa Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. “Based on 15 years of scientific research, Alcoa believes the remedy is both protective of human health and the environment and effective over the long term. We look forward to working with the EPA, the New York State DEC and the other stakeholders during the design and implementation phases of the project.”

Alcoa can now move forward with the next phase of the Massena Modernization Project. The next phase includes spending $52 million for work that will begin in June 2013, including $10 million toward economic development in the North Country.

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Press Release, April 7, 2013