Hiteman Leather

Overview

The Hiteman Leather site is a former tannery in West Winfield, New York, that operated from 1820 until 1968. During the early 1900s, the facility switched to chromium-based tanning, which produced more toxic waste in larger volumes. The tannery discharged chromium-containing wastewater directly into the Unadilla River and into three unlined lagoons on the property, contaminating soil, wetland sediments, and riverbank materials. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 1999.

EPA identified 18 contaminants of concern across the site. These include heavy metals such as chromium, chromium(VI), lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, mercury, manganese, copper, aluminum, antimony, and cyanide. Contamination spread across multiple media: groundwater, surface water, soil, sediment, and fish tissue. EPA determined these substances posed an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.

EPA selected a cleanup plan in 2006. From 2008 to 2009, contractors excavated 16,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil, 8,700 cubic yards of contaminated wetland sediments, and 200 cubic yards of contaminated riverbank material. The excavated material was consolidated on-site and covered with a geomembrane liner and up to two feet of clean soil. The northern riverbank was replanted with native vegetation to prevent erosion. An environmental easement recorded in 2010 restricts residential use, prohibits groundwater use until quality standards are met, and prevents excavation below the soil cover without approval.

One source states the site was deleted from the National Priorities List in 2012, while another states deletion occurred in February 2011. Both sources agree the site has been deleted. EPA has confirmed that human exposure is under control and that contaminated groundwater migration has been stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Five-year reviews in 2013, 2018, and 2023 all confirmed the cleanup continues to protect human health and the environment. The next five-year review is scheduled between February and April 2028. New York State handles ongoing operation and maintenance at the site.

The Village of West Winfield received a $100,000 EPA grant in 2003 to develop a reuse plan for the property, which envisions a community center, recreational facilities, and commercial development. As of December 2024, one business operated on-site and employed six people. Community members with questions can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager. Site records are available at the West Winfield Library at 179 South Street, West Winfield, NY, or at the EPA Region 2 Superfund Records Center in New York City.