Environmental Cleanup at the Main Street Hotel Site
Many residents have noticed the excavation work taking place at the future hotel site at 317 Main Street and have asked about the cleanup process. We wanted to provide an update on what is happening and who is overseeing the work.
During excavation, crews uncovered a previously unknown underground tank that still contained some residual oil. The discovery was immediately reported to DEC, and representatives from the agency quickly visited the site to evaluate the situation.
The environmental cleanup at the site is currently being overseen by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through its Spill Response and Remediation Program. Work began on June 15th under a DEC-approved remediation plan.
Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski spoke directly with DEC officials, who confirmed that the property owners and their environmental consultants are following all required regulations and the approved cleanup plan. DEC also verified that contaminated soil is being handled properly and that appropriate testing and safety measures are in place.
DEC will continue to closely monitor the site throughout the remediation process, with inspectors making regular visits to ensure environmental and public health protections are maintained. Environmental consultants from Sterling Environmental are overseeing the cleanup work and conducting ongoing air quality monitoring. The newly discovered tank has been assigned its own spill case number, was emptied, removed from the ground, and disposed of at an approved facility.
The Town’s Building Inspector, Gary Vinson, is also visiting the site daily to monitor progress and receive updates. It’s important to note that environmental cleanup and contamination issues are regulated by New York State through the DEC. The Town’s role is more limited and focuses on site plan review, site work, and building permit approvals. Responsibility for costs incurred with the cleanup lie with the property owner.
The Town and Planning Board remain committed to ensuring the site is properly cleaned up before any construction moves forward. No building permits for the hotel project will be issued until remediation is complete, open spills are closed, and all state and local requirements have been met. Throughout the process, the DEC will be making sure that continual air monitoring is happening, pre and post testing of contaminated soils and review of the chain of custody to ensure that proper disposal is happening during the process.
We will continue to stay in contact with the DEC and the hotel project team. Updates will be shared with the community as they become available.