DEC: Endicott National Pipe Plant Violated State Regulations

National Pipe and Plastics is facing big fines if the company doesn't take action to correct alleged environmental violations at its town of Union factory.

The PVC pipe production facility on Mills Avenue in West Endicott began operating in 2014. Since then, neighborhood residents have complained of odors and emissions from the plant.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently advised the company that it has been found in violation of several regulations.

The agency's Division of Air Resources confirmed particulate matter problems and persistent odors from the facility during the spring and summer.

PVC pipes stored outside the National Pipe and Plastics factory in West Endicott on January 5, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

In an August 28 notice, National Pipe officials were notified that the company is "in violation of New York State Air Pollution Control Law."

According to the DEC letter, the agency has received neighborhood complaints about PVC material deposited on parked vehicles, driveways, plants and gardens.

The company also was advised that the state has received persistent complaints from the surrounding community regarding odors emanating from the plant.

National Pipe was directed to take steps to address the ongoing problems associated with its facility.

The company was advised it could face a civil penalty of up to $18,000 for a violation of the Environmental Conservation Law. Additional fines could also be assessed.

The DEC warned that failure to comply with the notice of violation could subject National Pipe officials to criminal charges.

Town of Union Supervisor Robert Mack said the neighborhood around the plant "this year has been experiencing even more plastic particulate all over their property."

He said residents near the facility "are happy that something is finally" being done "because they've been complaining for years about it and I don't blame them"

Andrew LoFaro, the DEC regional air pollution control engineer who sent the notice to National Pipe, did not return a call seeking comment.

Alyssa Thys, a National Pipe and Plastics spokesperson, provided this statement to WNBF News Friday afternoon:

National Pipe & Plastics is committed to the safe and responsible operation of our Endicott facility. Our plant leadership has been working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to address the issues outlined in the August 28 Notice of Violation, and we are making progress toward appropriate resolutions. This facility plays an important role in manufacturing products that support the region's growing water infrastructure needs, and we remain committed to being a responsible neighbor in the Endicott community.

This story was updated to include the response from National Pipe and Plastics.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.