Overview

What Is It?

The Analysis of Alternatives is an important step in the remediation process. This detailed document is the result of years of work evaluating various cleanup options for the site. The cleanup options for the Lower Grasse River were developed in consultation with the EPA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and other stakeholders.

The revised Analysis of Alternatives was submitted to EPA in July 2012.

Project Details

2012 Analysis of Alternatives Report

The 2002 Analysis of Alternatives Report was updated and submitted to EPA in July 2012. This revised report incorporates findings from the spring 2003 ice jam event and ice-related investigations, 2005 Remedial Options Pilot Study, 2006 Activated Carbon Study, and other Grasse River-specific investigations conducted since 2002. It also considers regulatory guidance and related documents developed since 2002. The report is the culmination of almost 20 years of research and pilot projects that Arconic (formerly Alcoa) conducted on the Grasse River and examines the pros and cons of each possible cleanup option, its projected outcomes, and its cost.

The 2012 Analysis of Alternatives Report describes the 10 potential cleanup alternatives identified by Arconic (formerly Alcoa) and the Agencies. The report evaluates these alternatives based on overall protectiveness, compliance with requirements, long-term effectiveness and permanence, short-term effectiveness, how they would be implemented, and cost. The report reflects many years of interaction between the company and the Agencies, and also reflects input received from the Grasse River Community Advisory Panel as well as the broader community during a series of public meetings and information sessions conducted over the last decade.

A complete copy of the document is available at the Massena Public Library.

EPA evaluated the 10 cleanup alternatives that are presented in the Analysis of Alternatives Report, and issued a Proposed Plan describing the cleanup approach it believes should be implemented for the Grasse River. EPA held two public meetings to provide the rationale for the plan and to address comments from the community. Community acceptance is an important criterion used by EPA in the selection of a remedial approach. Following the close of the public comment period, EPA issued its final decision on the cleanup approach to be used for the river. This final decision document from EPA is called the Record of Decision, or ROD.