NEW WINDSOR – Remediation of contamination at the Dennison Monarch Systems Facility site on Ruscitti Road in New Windsor is about to begin under the state’s Voluntary Cleanup Plan.
The activities will be performed under the program by volunteer Avery Dennison Corporation, with oversight by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Construction is expected to begin later this month with the majority of the work to be completed by June of next year.
The site, not far from the City of Newburgh, consists of just under six acres. In 2010, a 97,000 square foot building in the corner of the property was demolished with no other buildings remaining.
The site was developed for manufacturing in 1956. From 1976 through 1981, Monarch Systems produced metal furniture. In 1981, Dennison Manufacturing acquired Monarch Systems and continued the operations. Avery merged with Dennison Manufacturing to become Avery Dennison in 1990. One year later, the company stopped all manufacturing operations.
While in operation, the companies were involved in cutting, shaping, welding, deburring, degreasing and painting metal components. Studies found chemicals in the soil and groundwater at the site with the highest concentrations under the former building foundation slab.
Groundwater contamination was found to extend off-site, but the impact was limited to the undeveloped and commercial areas.
Cleanup will include installation of a subsurface sheet pile wall to enclose the source of groundwater contamination. A low permeability cap will be placed over the containment area to minimize precipitation infiltration.
A deed restriction on the property will restrict its use to commercial and industrial uses consistent with local zoning laws. The use of groundwater will also be restricted.
