Health and safety is a critical part of the Rockaway Park project as we work to address the environmental impacts at the site and improve the environment. National Grid is committed to protecting the public, our workers and contractors and the environment from potential hazards that can occur as part of cleanup activities planned for the site.

Health and safety programs are comprised of careful planning, good communication and effective monitoring of the execution of the health and safety plans. Any future remedial work will be performed by qualified contractors that are appropriately trained and monitored, and will be performed in accordance with applicable regulations. Health and Safety Plans have been developed for ongoing remedial activities, including any potential future soil disturbance. Contractors will be required to provide documentation of employee training and medical monitoring prior to starting work, and are evaluated based on their compliance with established health and safety plans.

Public safety will continue to be protected through the Community Air Monitoring Program and Traffic Control Plan in the Site Management Plan. The Community Air Monitoring Program includes air monitoring during any future soil disturbance below the Site-wide Cap.  The Community Air Monitoring Plan has specified monitoring concentrations that will determine when additional odor or emission controls must be used and when the work must stop to protect workers and the public.

The Traffic Control Plan manages traffic in and around the site during any future remedial work which would involve trucks traveling to and from the site. This program includes route planning for trucks and other vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the problem?

A long history of industrial activity has impacted soil and groundwater at the Rockaway Park Site. Some of the materials spilled or released in the past are harmful to human health or the environment. The site remediation program was designed to clean up the site so that it could be returned to valuable use in the community.  The remedial work was completed between 2009 and 2016.  A portion of the site is now in use as a parking area for the new ferry service to the area.  

Am I safe?

Yes. Site investigations have shown that harmful materials are limited to the site and immediate vicinity.  With the completion of the remedial activities required in the ROD, contact with any impacted materials remaining at the site is prevented with the installation and maintenance of the site-wide cap.  Groundwater and surface water from the site are not used as drinking water sources.

What can I expect now that remediation is completed?

National Grid has completed the remedial work required under the ROD.  Currently, the site groundwater is being monitored on an annual basis.  National Grid has prepared a Draft Site Management Plan that is currently under NYSDEC review which will govern any future disturbance of the materials below the site-wide cap.