West Endicott Residents Blast National Pipe Plant Noise

Some people who live near the new National Pipe and Plastics factory in the town of Union say they can't tolerate the noise and the odors emanating from the plant.

Several West Endicott residents told town board members they're tired of hearing the beeping of

forklift equipment at the facility which manufactures polyvinyl chloride pipes. Some said the "beep beep beep" back-up warning sounds from the vehicles can be heard in the middle of the night.

Many have complained about a noxious smell they say has been coming from the site, which is south of Maple Street and west of Mills Avenue.

National Pipe officials said they wanted to move their production facility from Vestal to Union so the company could produce bigger PVC pipes.

Thousands of multi-colored pipes of varying sizes now fill the West Endicott site.

Town of Union officials approved the $15 million project last year over the objections of many people who live near the site.

Town supervisor Rose Sotak told residents someone will be hired to "monitor the noise."

National Pipe and Plastics president David Culbertson did not return calls seeking comment about concerns expressed by people who live near the factory.