Health and safety is a critical part of the Equity Works Municipal MGP site remediation project as we work to address the environmental impacts at the site and improve the environment. National Grid is committed to protecting the public, our workers and contractors and the environment from potential hazards that can occur as part of cleanup activities planned for the site.
Health and safety programs are comprised of careful planning, good communication and effective monitoring of the execution of the health and safety plans. Remediation work will be performed by qualified contractors that are appropriately trained and monitored and is to be performed in accordance with applicable regulations. Health and Safety Plans have been developed for each remediation activity. Contractors are required to have employee training and medical monitoring programs and are evaluated based on their compliance with established health and safety plans.
Public safety will be monitored under oversight from NYSDEC and NYSDOH using the Community Air Monitoring Program. The CAMP will include air monitoring at the investigation sites and also between investigation activities and nearby residential and commercial areas. Rarely, investigation of MGP wastes can produce unpleasant odors, and this will be controlled to the extent practicable by using a temporary enclosure over the work areas, limiting the size of the area excavated, using foam to cover exposed materials and by occasionally stopping work if necessary. The Community Air Monitoring Plan has specified monitoring locations and concentrations that will determine when additional odor or emission controls must be used and when the work must stop to protect workers and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this site being remediated?
Historical gas manufacturing activity has impacted soil and groundwater at the Equity Works Former MGP Site. Some of these materials have the potential to affect human health or the environment. The site remediation program is designed to clean up the site to ensure that there are no adverse effects to human health and the environment while the properties on the site remain in valuable use.
What are the current site conditions?
Under current conditions, there are no known complete exposure pathways for potential receptors in the RI Study Area because of the existing structures and surface cover (concrete or asphalt), current use, and activities at the properties.
What can be expected during the remediation?
Specialized work crews will be removing soil using equipment such as excavators and blending soil with cement using large diameter augers. Some of the excavation work will be performed under a large tent structure. As currently planned, none of the work will interfere with traffic. Some of the workers may be wearing protective gear, which is required for this type of work because of the possibility of their direct contact with the contaminants. Air monitoring will be conducted under a Community Air Monitoring Plan during intrusive work.
How long is the work expected to take?
The work is expected to take approximately 13 months, once the site is temporarily cleared of current activities, and mobilization can begin for the remediation work.
How to I ask questions about the work?
Please see the Contacts tab to ask questions about the project.