Closing of Nepera continues

Highland Mills - After a series of layoffs over the last year, Nepera Chemical is seemingly close to becoming a bittersweet memory for Harriman and the surrounding towns. At the Woodbury Town Board meeting held Nov. 17, Supervisor Sheila Conroy reported that there is very little activity at the site. She also said that there was a security presence to prevent public access to the site and that the state Department of Environmental Conservation would inspect the site once cleaned. Nepera sits on a 29-acre lot and owns 104 acres of vacant land surrounding the plant. The company’s departure will mean a large loss of tax revenue for the town. However, its presence in the community has been the cause of great concern for public health and safety. Since 1942 the plant has been a major manufacturer of Pyridine which is used in the manufacturing of various pharmaceutical drugs, anti-bacterial products, anti-dandruff shampoos, color film and crop protection products. Over the years the plant has had several incidences of chemical leaks along with reports of noxious fumes in the air. A Sept. 22 report by the DEC stated the groundwater, surface soil, subsurface soil, indoor air and sediment at the Harriman plant were found to be contaminated with various chemicals and metals. However, the report also said that the levels are not high enough to be a risk to the general public, although any workers involved in cleaning up the site will wear protective equipment. In the report, titled “Documentation of Environmental Indicator Determination,” the DEC reported receiving a final closure plan for the site in August 2005. According to the report, all production at the site has ceased and all inventory is being disbursed.