Public information session will address Norlite, permit renewal process, contamination study, other issues around the hazardous waste incinerator

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) and the City of Cohoes will hold a virtual public information session on issues related to the incineration of hazardous materials at the Norlite facility in Cohoes.
HMM’s Alexis Goldsmith is joined by retired geologist, Dr. David Walker, to discuss Norlite, the DEC meeting, Norlite’s enhanced permit renewal process (their Title V air permit expires Dec. 31, 2020), and the “Norlite” bill, which passed unanimously in the state legislature in June but still awaits Governor Cuomo’s signature.
To join the DEC information session:
DATE: October 21, 2020, from 6 to 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, DEC and DOH presentations will be conducted virtually through the Webex Events online platform or via conference call.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE: To join the virtual session online on October 21, 2020 at 6 p.m.:
Visit on.ny.gov/Norlite102120 and click “Join”
Event Number: 171 919 8266
Password: mV9Mr2xjDq3
For information on how to participate in a virtual meeting, go to www.dec.ny.gov/public/51805.html
To join by phone: Dial: 1-518-549-0500
Access Code: 171 919 8266 #
Press # again in lieu of an attendee I.D. number
Topics
DEC and DOH officials will provide information and take questions after each presentation on the following important topics:
Overview of New York State’s response to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): What is PFAS and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), and what actions are New York taking to prevent exposure to these compounds in Cohoes and across the state.
Update on DEC and DOH’s Comprehensive Soil and Surface Water Investigation currently underway: Overview of DEC’s on-the-ground analysis to determine if there were any impacts from Norlite’s prior processing of AFFF.
DEC’s enhanced Norlite permit renewal review process: Overview of DEC’s enhanced permit renewal review and community engagement for Norlite’s State Air Title V and Part 373 Hazardous Waste Management Facility permits.
Required Comprehensive Performance Testing of Norlite’s Air Pollution Control Equipment: Overview of Norlite’s recently upgraded air pollution control equipment, required performance testing and DEC’s oversight.
How to Ask Questions
Submit questions to DEC in advance:
Email: [email protected]
Call: (518) 357-2075, or
To ask questions during the information session:
DEC will be answering questions submitted through the Webex “chat” function during the virtual session.
For questions, contact DEC at 518-357-2075.

 
Photo: Norlite can be seen burning at night in Cohoes on October 18th, 2020. Photo by Alexis Derby.