On this page:

• Cleanup Status
• Site Description
• Contaminants at this Facility
• Site Responsibility

Cleanup Status 

The facility is undergoing a RCRA facility investigation (RFI) to determine if corrective action is needed. In 1995, a RCRA facility assessment and a sampling visit report were completed by the facility. The facility assessment report recommended no further corrective action. 

Consequently, in 1997, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) determined that a RFI was not necessary. In 2007, an RFI was requested by NYSDEC to aid in determining whether to renew the facility’s existing permit as a corrective action only permit. A RCRA facility investigation work plan that included the collection of groundwater and soil samples was approved by NYSDEC in August 2007.

On February 7, 2008, Entergy submitted the RCRA facility investigation report documenting the soil and groundwater sampling results. The sampling results revealed the presence of some heavy metal contamination in on-site soils and groundwater. As a result, additional testing was required by NYSDEC to fully characterize the extent of contamination. Entergy is required to submit a work plan for this additional testing. 

Site Description

Indian Point Unit 2 is a nuclear-powered electricity generating plant located in the village of Buchanan, Westchester County, New York. The facility generates and stores ignitable and mixed hazardous and radioactive waste on site. On February 28, 1997, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) issued a Hazardous Waste Management Permit for the storage of mixed radiological and hazardous waste to this facility. At that time, no suitable treatment or storage facility existed for this type of waste. Hazardous wastes, excluding mixed waste, were and still are, stored at the site for less than 90 days prior to transport off site for disposal.

Contaminants at this Facility

Soils in a limited area on site contain the heavy metals arsenic, selenium, and thallium in concentrations exceeding New York state soil cleanup guidelines. The potential threat from soil contamination is considered low because the affected soils are in a secure area of the facility with access limited to authorized persons. Also, the affected soils are covered with asphalt, concrete, or other paving material.

Groundwater in a limited area on site contains the heavy metals selenium and thallium in concentrations exceeding New York state standards. The potential threat from groundwater contamination is also considered low because site groundwater is not used for any purpose.

Site Responsibility at this Facility

On February 1997 a 6 NYCRR part 373 operating permit was issued by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The hazardous waste container storage area was clean closed on August 31, 2009 and the facility is claiming a mixed waste exemption for the existing solid waste management units (SWMUs). Therefore, a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permit is no longer needed to manage hazardous waste at this facility.

Pending the results of the RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI), the existing NYSDEC operating permit has been extended. If a corrective action only permit is determined necessary, the permit will be renewed, accordingly.