Authorities say cleanup activities may begin within a few days at a former NYSEG generating plant in Westover.

New York State Electric and Gas constructed the coal-burning facility near Johnson City in 1917. Emissions from the plant, which operated for nearly a century, caused environmental concerns for nearby residents.

AES Corporation acquired the plant in 1999. It was closed in 2012. The property has been owned by a series of LLCs in recent years.

A sign at the former NYSEG Goudey Station on March 30, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A sign at the former NYSEG Goudey Station on March 30, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Although the facility has been dormant in recent years, new pollution problems have emerged. The state Department of Environmental Conservation was alerted to demolition work and dust emanating from the site on February 22.

When the agency learned of the unauthorized activity at the plant, it dispatched DEC police officers and spill responders to the site. Investigators with the Bureau of Environmental Crimes also were sent to determine what had occurred. The town of Union issued a stop-work order.

A notice attached to a fence at the former Goudey Station generating plant on March 8, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A notice attached to a fence at the former Goudey Station generating plant on March 8, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

A DEC investigation found waste oil tanks located outside, along with areas of heavily-contaminated soil and petroleum-contaminated water in the basement of the building.

The agency and its contractor took samples to assess the petroleum present at the site.

Workers in hazmat suits at the Westover site on April 25, 2023. (Photo: WNBF News)
Workers in hazmat suits at the Westover site on April 25, 2023. (Photo: WNBF News)
loading...

Officials are developing a plan to address the contamination at the property at 720 Riverside Drive in Westover. Cleanup operations are expected to start next week.

The DEC is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the site investigation.

The state agency is to investigate potential violations of New York Environmental Conservation Law.

A DEC police officer would not allow access to the Goudey Station site on April 25, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A DEC police officer would not allow access to the Goudey Station site on April 25, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

In a statement released to WNBF News, DEC indicated it "is committed to holding parties accountable for violations of the stringent requirements in place to protect public health and the environment."

Town of Union supervisor Robert Mack said local officials have long been concerned about safety and environmental issues posed by the site. He said town officials who've been on the property told him "the place was a wreck."

Mack said people who've been on the property to remove scrap steel may have caused serious damage to the facility. He said they may have cut support beams that "are important to keeping the building standing."

Workers in protective gear at a former NYSEG generating plant on April 25, 2023. (Photo: WNBF News)
Workers in protective gear at a former NYSEG generating plant on April 25, 2023. (Photo: WNBF News)
loading...

Officials have said unauthorized and haphazard “scrapping” operations such as this have become a big concern in recent years.

DEC and EPA representatives met with local officials at Westover site on January 25 to ensure redevelopment of the property would be handled in an appropriate manner.

Investigators have not indicated what kind of criminal charges could be applied to the illegal activity that appears to have been occurring at the Riverside Drive site.

A section of the former Goudey Station site in Westover on March 30, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A section of the former Goudey Station site in Westover on March 30, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...
WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

LOOK: The biggest scams today and how you can protect yourself from them

Using data from the BBB Scam Tracker Annual Risk Report, Stacker identified the most common and costly types of scams in 2022.

LOOK: Baby boomer baby names that have gone out of style

Using info from the Social Security Administration's baby name database, Stacker compiled a list of baby boomer baby names that have declined in popularity.

From coast to coast: The 20 best regional fast-food chains to try

From burgers to subs and even creamy milkshakes, these tasty fast-food chains, compiled by Stacker, are a must-try on your next road trip.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM