Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Xerox Corporation - Joseph C. Wilson Center for Technology in Webster, New York
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- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Site Responsibility
Cleanup Status
Xerox began groundwater recovery in 1986, and since that time, has pursued an aggressive corrective action program at this facility. The five major investigative sites at the facility are: Building 119, 200, 201, 206, 208, 209 and 218.
In addition, remedial requirements were satisfied under separate consent orders for the Salt Road and Inactive Landfill. These two sites were also subsequently included under the site Part 373 permit.
Corrective measures include the operation of a comprehensive pump and treat system for groundwater treatment and recovery through a network of wells on the site. Groundwater recovery rates have been greatly increased through the use of controlled blasting, which increase the permeability of the bedrock by fracturing it. Several blasted-bedrock trenches have been installed. Recovery of contaminants has decreased in recent years as significant progress has been made in recovering source area contaminants. As the site becomes less contaminated operation of some pumping wells have been discontinued because their benefits reached a point of diminishing return.
Source areas have been the focus of several interim remedial measures (IRMs) conducted at the site. Most notably, 2-Phase Extraction application and/or soil excavation efforts were implemented. The 2-Phase extraction was operated until minimal additional remedial benefit was being realized, at which time the activities were terminated with NYSDEC approval. These IRMs were effective in significantly reducing the size of contaminated-groundwater plumes as well as the concentrations of contaminants in the groundwater.
Xerox conducted indoor air monitoring at numerous locations across the facility in 2002-2003 and determined that the levels of volatile organic contaminants employees are exposed to on site are well within the established protective limits for occupational settings. However, the NYSDEC and NYSDOH requested that Xerox conduct further investigation subsequent to a refinement of vapor intrusion policy within the State Agencies. In 2007, Xerox conducted additional vapor intrusion monitoring at multiple on-site buildings and is currently pursuing a path to satisfy these additional State requirements.
In July 2007, NYSDEC and NYSDOH granted approval for Xerox to implement a work plan to determine if approximately 236 acres of undeveloped property owned by Xerox, located to the north of the manufacturing facilities, can be deemed suitable for unrestricted future use. The work plan includes investigation of soil, groundwater and the potential for vapor intrusion. Efforts related to this work plan are in progress.
The Department of Environmental Conservation expects to approve a Corrective Measures Study (CMS) report in the fourth quarter of 2008. Final remedy selection for the entire site is expected in 2009.
Site Description
The Xerox Corporation campus is located at 800 Phillips Road in Webster, New York. The facility occupies approximately one thousand acres in the Town of Webster. The areas adjacent to the site to the east south and west are zoned for industrial, commercial, residential and farm uses. The area to the north of the site is zoned for residential and farming uses. Activities at the facility include research, development and the manufacturing and/or refurbishing of copy/printing machines and associated supplies (such as toner).
Operations began in 1956. Xerox operates hazardous waste tanks and container storage areas in accordance with a 6NYCRR 373-2 Hazardous Waste Management Permit. Groundwater monitoring and corrective action (as final and interim corrective measures) are also performed under the authority of the permit. One hundred and six Solid Waste Management Units have been identified, 85 of which require no further remedial action.
Contaminants at this Facility
Volatile organic compounds are the primary contaminants of concern at the Xerox facility. Metals contamination is also present to a lesser extent. All soil and groundwater contamination is confined to Xerox property. Area residences and businesses are served by a public water supply.
Responsibility at this Facility
Operation of hazardous waste storage areas and storage tanks, and corrective action, is performed under the authority of a Part 373 Hazardous Waste Management Permit, issued in December 1994 and renewed in May 2000. It expired on May 31, 2010.