Cayuga County Ground Water Contamination

Overview

This Superfund site covers contaminated groundwater stretching roughly seven miles across 4.8 square miles in Cayuga County, New York, running from Auburn to Union Springs. The contamination traces back to semiconductor manufacturing operations near the former General Electric Powerex Facility. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2002.

The contaminants found in groundwater are trichloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, trans-1,2-dichloroethene, and chloroethene (vinyl chloride). EPA determined these chemicals pose an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment based on the amounts present and the potential effects from exposure. The plume reached 51 residential wells, three farm wells, and the Village of Union Springs municipal drinking water supply.

EPA launched an emergency response in December 2000, delivering bottled water and installing treatment systems at 54 locations, including air-stripper systems at two dairy farms and carbon adsorption units at affected homes. The Cayuga County Water Authority extended public water lines to affected residences in 2001. EPA continues to operate treatment systems at the affected farms. Human exposure is currently considered under control, meaning EPA has determined there are no unacceptable exposure pathways. However, whether contaminated groundwater migration has stabilized is still uncertain due to insufficient data on how the contamination moves underground.

The long-term cleanup plan is divided into three areas. Area 1 uses bioremediation with chemical and biological enhancements to break down contaminants in place. Area 2 relies on natural processes to reduce contamination in lower-concentration zones. Area 3 (Operable Unit 2), addressed under a separate Record of Decision issued in September 2019, uses monitored natural attenuation, allowing contaminants to break down over time while the site is watched. The responsible party modified the Village of Union Springs public water supply for Area 3. Final remedial action began in September 2022, and construction is estimated to be complete between October and December 2026, after which long-term response work will begin.

Community members can review site records at two locations in Auburn: the Cayuga County Office Building Clerks Office on the first floor at 160 Genesee Street, and the Seymour Public Library at 176 Genesee Street. For questions, residents can contact the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager directly.