FORMER LTV PROPERTY/ABBY STREET TESTING UPDATE
September 30, 1999
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-5841

BUFFALO (9/30/99) - Testing of soils at four residential parcels (one yet-to-be-developed) on Abby Street revealed coke waste, which is a byproduct of industrial coal-burning. With the testing of the area concluded and the environmental remediation of the four parcels having been completed, the city will continue its cooperative effort with the NYS Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

There remain two commercial properties in the vicinity where coke waste was revealed through the soil testing process and they are scheduled for similar remediation activities.

The city has now tested all residential properties formerly owned by Donner-Hanna Coke/LTV (formerly Republic Steel). The test results have not revealed any similar concentrations of coke wastes on the remaining residential properties as compared to the four originally tested Abby Street parcels or the two commercial parcels.

Mayor Masiello stated, "My administration, through the Office for the Environment, will continue to act aggressively in seeking to remedy any property formerly owned by Donner Hanna Coke/LTV found to contain any materials exceeding a common urban background level."

The Office for the Environment is maintaining an ongoing dialogue with residents of the area. The goal is to create a better understanding of the soil test results.

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