Duracell Remediation In Sleepy Hollow Resumes In March

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. – Cleanup of the former Duracell Battery Plant and surrounding areas in Sleepy Hollow will resume in March, the Department of Enviornmental Conservation (DEC) said.

Contaminated topsoil is being replaced with clean soil at about 80 homes, like this one on Andrews Lane, near the former Duracell battery plant in Sleepy Hollow.
Photo Credit: *File Photo*

by Meredith Shamburger

02/20/2013 12:00 a.m.

The work has been suspended for the winter months since December.

“We are progressing with excellent cooperation from the community and residents,” Duracell communications representative Win Sakdinan said.

Crews working to clean up the sites around the plant have completed remediation measures at seven properties during the initial work phase beginning in August 2012. The DEC found about 80 properties with elevated lead and mercury levels surrounding the former plant that will need to undergo remediation.

The clean-up process includes clearing areas of materials and debris, including trees. Crews then excavate polluted soil and replace it with clean fill before restoring sites. Polluted soil is transported by truck to an off-site disposal facility.

Crews began remediation on the block closest to the former plant site, bounded by Andrews Lane, Elm Street, Kendall Avenue and Beekman Avenue . Work will spread out from that area.

During the winter months, officials are meeting with property owners to go over clean-up plans and get approval to begin the remediation process. A project office on Cortlandt Street will also be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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