Health and Safety

The first phase of redevelopment of the former Buffalo Color site involves the demolition of the former chemical plant. This includes:

• removal of any remaining chemicals in tanks, piping and equipment;
• removal of waste materials, and;
• demolition of existing buildings, tanks, and piping.

SBD is taking extensive precautions to protect the health and safety of the community and its employees. The work will be completed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including those of DEC, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Department of Labor, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the City of Buffalo.

Dust Control and Air Monitoring

SBD is implementing a broad dust control and monitoring program. The placement of monitors provides broad coverage, regardless of wind direction. As the demolition proceeds along this large site, the monitors are relocated, if necessary, to continue to provide broad coverage of air quality. Background air monitoring began in the end of April and continued for approximately two weeks.

The aerial photograph shows the location of the air monitors. To view the data collected, select the date from the drop-down list and click "Change." Then, click on a monitor icon to view the data. If data from a particular monitor is unavailable, the monitor icon will not be clickable when that date is selected.

During the project, SBD posts the perimeter dust monitoring data on this web site. Action levels for dust are consistent with federal air quality dust standards. The system operates with a trigger level, which is set below the action level. If dust concentrations reach this trigger level we will stop the work. If the dust level cannot be maintained below the action level, we will stop the work until the activity suspected of generating the dust is stopped.

Security

SBD provides security guards at the site 24 hours per day, seven days a week during the demolition and remediation project.

Safety Training for Workers

Workers who perform waste removal or handling of chemicals are trained as required by OSHA and the State of New York. Daily safety meetings are held to review project safety requirements and practices. Access to work zones will be permitted only to those workers who are trained and are wearing appropriate equipment.