What’s Up at the Old GM Saginaw/ American Axle Site?
There is some confusion regarding the old GM Saginaw/ American Axle Complex at 1001 East Delavan Avenue; confusion as to whether residents living near the facility should be concerned about their health and/ or safety. For about a year now Clean Air has been advocating with residents who want to have some clarity on the legacy waste of the site and whether or not cleanup has been done or is being planned for the Superfund Site.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act — otherwise known as CERCLA or Superfund – passed in 1980 provides a Federal “Superfund” to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment. 1001 East Delevan Avenue was where rear axles, steering linkages forgings, drive shafts, steering systems and related components were assembled for automobile manufacturing. The facility also housed 6 oil fired burners, machining equipment, painting equipment and a waste water treatment plant.
There have been many plans to clean up the site of hazardous Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and n-Hexane Extractable Materials (Oil & Grease) present on the site, but ultimately the site has not been cleaned up and the hazardous waste removed because of expenses- both companies claimed bankruptcy.
In addition to the legacy waste, since 2013, 1001 East Delavan is also home to new industrial manufacturers: Galvstar, who makes specialized galvanized steel; Niagara Lubricants, a lubricant manufacturer specializing in industrial and wholesale lubricants; and Ontario Specialty Contracting Group (OSC) Manufacturing & Equipment Services.
The group of residents that Clean Air has been working with is concerned about the contaminants the new industrial plants are adding to the site and the environment in addition to what additional risks these new contaminates add when combined to the legacy waste. Not to mention the risk of emergencies or industrial fires when one considers Niagara Lubricant’s history in other residential neighborhoods.
Residents want to have a better idea of what they are living next to and are hosting a panel discussion featuring:
Virginia Golden, Resident
Lynda Schneekloth, Professor Emeritus, University at Buffalo School of Architecture
Tammy Milillo, Research Assistant, University at Buffalo Dept. of Chemistry
Natasha D. Soto, Community Organizer, Clean Air: Organizing for Health and Justice
Participants can hope to leave the panel with a better idea of the risks still present at the site, which agencies have been and are still involved with monitoring the site and if there is anything that can be done to ensure the safety of the neighborhood. The panel discussion is open to the public.
When: Thursday October 22nd 5:30 PM
Where: Delavan Grider Community Center– 877 E. Delavan Ave
Please call Natasha at 852.3813 if you need a ride or have any questions.
For more information on 1001 East Delavan- take a look at the Buffalo News article:
http://www.buffalonews.com/business/manufacturing-a-turnaround-former-american-axle-plant-on-east-side-finds-a-new-direction-20150621
Tags: American Axle, Galvstar, GM Saginaw, legacy waste, Niagara Lubricants, OSC, Superfund Site