SCHUMER ANNOUNCES, AFTER LAUNCHING PUSH IN JAMESTOWN EARLIER THIS YEAR, EPA HAS HEEDED HIS CALLS TO DEMOLISH AND CLEAN UP JAMESTOWN'S OLD CONTAMINATED CRAWFORD FURNITURE FACTORY FOLLOWING FIRE -- REMOVING AN EYESORE AND HELPING RETURN THE SITE TO PRODUCTIVE USE FOR THE COMMUNITY

Letter

"I write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bolster its presence at Jamestown's former Crawford Furniture Factory site in order to conduct a thorough investigation and expeditiously provide federal resources for removal action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Over the course of its history the former Crawford Furniture Factory site has been used for various industrial and manufacturing uses. Due to the site's history, it has a known presence of hazardous substances such acetone, toluene, chromium and asbestos. On November 16, 2022, the situation was made even worse when a fire destroyed the property, likely releasing volatile materials including asbestos into the environment. Not only did the initial release of these substances endanger first responders and the nearby community, but each day the debris continues to sit poses an even greater threat to the community.

While the City of Jamestown has done great work in the containment of this site, following every precaution necessary to mitigate any potential threat, the recent fire necessitates federal action. The removal of the contaminated debris is a technical and financial challenge better suited for the EPA. I urge you to expeditiously conduct an investigation of this site in order for it to be added to the Superfund Site list and receive necessary federal aid. This federal aid will be crucial to ensuring the safety of the neighboring community.

Thank you for your attention to this important request. Please feel free to contact my staff with any questions"

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