Record of decision signed for Interim Waste Containment Structure Operable Unit of Niagara Falls Storage Site

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District announced the record of decision for the Interim Waste Containment Structure Operable Unit of the Niagara Falls Storage Site, located in Lewiston, has been signed by Rickey "R.D." James, assistant secretary for the Army for Civil Works. The selected remedy is alternative four from the proposed plan: excavation, partial treatment, and off-site disposal of the entire contents of the Interim Waste Containment Structure.

"The selected remedy provides the best overall protection of human health and the environment," said Buffalo District Cmdr. Lt. Col. Jason A. Toth. "It is responsive to the feedback and input received from the community and stakeholders over the years."

The record of decision includes responses to comments received on the proposed plan and is available at: https://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/Missions/HTRW/FUSRAP/Niagara-Falls-Storage-Site.

The Interim Waste Containment Structure is a 10-acre structure on the Niagara Falls Storage Site, which contains uranium ore processing residues. The structure was engineered to inhibit radon gas emissions, infiltration of precipitation, and contaminant migration to groundwater. The analysis of over 30 years of environmental surveillance data from Niagara Falls Storage Site confirms the Interim Waste Containment Structure is performing as it was designed and will continue to be protective as long as it is maintained properly.

The Corps of Engineers is the lead federal agency for this project, which is being executed under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program in accordance with the governing federal law, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.

The record of decision will be published on the Buffalo District's Niagara Falls Storage Site website: https://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/Missions/HTRW/FUSRAP/Niagara-Falls-Storage-Site.

The record of decision will be added to the administrative record file for the site, which is available electronically for review in the Lewiston Public Library, 305 S. Eighth St.; the Youngstown Free Library, 240 Lockport St.; and the Ransomville Free Library, 3733 Ransomville Road. The administrative record file is also available for review by appointment at the Buffalo District Office Library located at 1776 Niagara St.

For further information on the Niagara Falls Storage Site, email [email protected] or call 800-833-6390.