The village of Holley has reached out to state and federal lawmakers for more funding to complete the cleanup of the former Diaz Chemical site.
Following a chemical spill in 2002, the Diaz facility was designated a federal Superfund site. But that program has not had enough funds to finish the project.
Holley Mayor John Kenney tells WXXI News the village has since taken on some of the responsibilities for eight residences surrounding the Diaz site; work he feels should have been done by the Environmental Protection Agency. "We've had to provide added police surveillance. We've had to do some of the cleanup. We've had to basically make sure that the properties are maintained so they can be put back on the market, which is another story in itself."
The EPA purchased the homes in 2005 and the owners and tenants were relocated. But work on the cleanup of the hazardous site has not begun. "I have had recent talks with the EPA representatives", Kenney said. "What they're telling me is that they are at the study phase and they're trying to complete that part. They're looking for us to take care of some of the responsibilities that I feel belong to them."
Senator Chuck Schumer is scheduled to visit the village today, promoting plan to increase funding for the EPA's Superfund through the federal budget process. Schumer said the former Diaz Chemical site is a drag on the local economy, lowering the tax base, property values and keeping new jobs and companies from locating there.
