DEC & EPA announce resumption of aircraft-based survey of Erie & Niagara counties

Low-flying plane equipped with latest radiological sensor equipment resumes survey postponed last year due to weather

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Press Release

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the resumption of the aerial radiological survey of Erie and Niagara counties that was suspended last fall due to weather-related complications. Flights are expected to resume the week of June 24 and anticipated to continue through this summer. This survey is being completed in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This survey is being conducted by a single-engine, low-flying plane called the Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology. The ASPECT flight crew completed approximately 15% of the total survey area last fall, including portions of the downtown Buffalo business district, before activities were suspended.

The plane, based near Dallas, is equipped with a suite of sensors for measuring potential radiation sources. The various sensors on the plane generate data to help assess the presence of material at ground level that could contain radiological material. Photographs of property will not be taken during the flyover.

To conduct the survey, the plane will traverse a carefully planned linear grid pattern over Erie and Niagara counties at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level for about one month, including weekends.

People may notice the low-flying aircraft with U.S. EPA markings (images and information about the ASPECT can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response/aspect). Flights are dependent on weather conditions.

Western New York was a hub for the manufacturing of atomic weapon components during World War II and other industries using or producing radiologic materials. This aerial survey is being performed out of an abundance of caution to provide the most current and scientific information to complement a similar aerial radiological survey of the region that was previously conducted in 1984 that assessed the extent of potential use and distribution of biproducts and waste material containing radiological material. The current survey will supplement the prior data and be used by state and federal experts to guide any follow-up on-the-ground surveys and sampling. DEC, the state Department of Health, and EPA are coordinating this effort and will continue to keep the community informed as this evaluation progresses.

For more information and updates on the aerial radiological survey, contact DEC project manager Patrick Concannon at 716-851-7280, or by email at [email protected].