EPA Orders Asbestos Cleanup at Goudey Station in Johnson City

The owner of a former NYSEG power plant in the town of Union has agreed to clean up asbestos contamination at the site.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday announced it is holding NRGY Development LLC accountable for the contamination the company has caused at the former Goudey Station in Westover. The 33-acre property is just outside the village of Johnson City.

The EPA has finalized an agreement with the Florida-based company to remove asbestos, secure the property and pay the agency's future oversight costs.

An EPA news release said the move will reduce the risk that asbestos contamination will wind up in the nearby Susquehanna River.

NRGY Development is to "enhance existing security measures" at the old generating facility. The company also must remove asbestos that can get into the air.

An EPA spokesperson told WNBF News the property owner is required to submit a "Removal Work Plan" within 30 days of the order's effective date. The plan will include a timeline and scope of the planned cleanup efforts.

The EPA previously took some action at the site to clean contaminated roadways and install fencing.

Despite the fencing, copper thieves have routinely entered the site. People burning insulation off copper wire have caused several fires at the property.

The coal-fired Goudy plant generated electricity for more than nine decades.

Town of Union supervisor Robert Mack was pleased to learn of the EPA order for additional cleanup work at the site.

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