| Abstract |
The American Thermostat Corporation (ATC) site, occupying approximately eight acres, is located in South Cairo, New York. From the mid 1950s through at least 1981, waste containing TCE and PCE sludges were poured down drains which were connected to an abandoned septic system and dumped outside onto plant grounds. The drains were connected to the abandoned septic system. In March 1981, two ATC employees were observed dumping solvents on plant property. This triggered investigations into the company's waste handling practices by New York State. Water samples collected in five privately-owned wells in the ATC vicinity revealed the presence of high levels of TCE and PCE. As a result, ATC began supplying bottled water to local residents in April 1981. By late 1982, ATC had installed carbon filters on its own well and the affected residential wells. Pursuant to a 1983 Consent Order, ATC and AMRO Realty Operation (AMRO), the owners of the property, agreed to clean up the site and its surroundings; supply bottled water for cooking and drinking purposes; and install, monitor, and maintain carbon filter systems. |
