Site name- Former Smith Corona Facility

Location- Near the intersection of NYS Route 13 and Lime Hollow Road in Cortlandville.

Background- This former manufacturing company produced typewriters and word processors. Smith Corona Manufacturing was the largest employer in Cortland until it moved the company to Mexico in 1992; leaving a brownfield site that citizens would be affected by.

Problem(s)- The Smith Corona Facility released trichloroethene(TCE) into the surrounding Groundwater. While the percentage has  been found to be low, it is still above the NYS standard for drinking water.

What this means- TCEs have been known to cause liver, kidney, or lung cancer.

Site Name- Rosen Brothers’ Scrap Yard

Location- Pendelton St. Cortland, NY

Background- The scrap yard was started by Philip and Harvey Rosen for scrap metal and waste disposal in 1971. The scrap yard violated state laws and harmful compounds were found in the soil. Due to this violation the Rosen Brothers were forced to shut down operation in 1985 where the brownfield was left for clean up.

Problem(s)- Studies had found that the ground water around the Rosen Bros. Scrap Yard had been contaminated with VOC’s. Also, the surface soil around the area had been found to contain PCB’s.

What This Means- PCB’s have been known to cause the following cancers:

Liver, Gall Bladder and Biliary Tract Cancer, Skin Cancer

Brain Cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Pancreatic Cancer

Lung Cancer, Kidney Cancer , Prostate Cancer

Site Name- South Hill Dump

Location- South Hill Rd. (off route 11) Cortland, NY

Background- The South Hill dumping site was used between the 1960s-1972. The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) inspected the site in 1990 and found solvents and pesticides in the soil.  In 1991 the site was listed as a Class 2 Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site-meaning it could threaten the public.

Problem(s)- After years of chemicals such as solvents like TCE and pesticides have been lurking on this site. The Cortland-Homer-Preble Aquifer System is at risk because the landfill is at the edge of the aquifer.

What This Means- Pesticides have been linked to causing Breast Cancer, which is the leading form of cancer in Cortland County and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

TCE has been linked to liver, kidney and lung cancer.

Site Name- Future Wal-mart Supercenter

Location- 872 State Route 13 Cortland, NY

Background- Wal-mart plans to build a Supercenter over the existing Wal-mart within the next two years. The site will occupy 205,000 square ft. Although some may not see the potential threat that Wal-mart imposes on the community. There will be problems with traffic pollution (more CFCs being released) and potential risks to Cortland Aquifer System.

Problem(s): Plans to build a Wal-mart Supercenter are going to impose and contaminate Cortland’s Aquifer system. The Aquifer system is Cortland County’s only source of drinking water. Although, the city has agreed on an aquifer protection permit, run off from the parking lot will continue to flow into the groundwater. Wal-mart has been known to violate environmental laws such as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, The Clean Water Act and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. What is to stop them from harming Cortland’s Aquifer System? Contamination may include petroleum leakage, solvents, degreasers, and road-deicing salts.

What This Means- If the Aquifer Protection Permit is not thoroughly acted upon a potential threat of polluted water could enter the homes of Cortland residents. These chemicals could aid in the risk of cancers.

Contaminant name- Radon

Affected area- All of Cortland

Problem(s)- Radon occurs through the natural decay of uranium—an

element that is found in nearly all soils, rock, and water. Cortland is listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a high risk factor for Radon Exposure.

What this means- Radon has been listed as the second leading cause of lung cancer by the Surgeon General.