U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Awards Contract for First Phase of Guterl Steel Cleanup
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District, has awarded a contract with a total value up to $249 million to SA Environmental Services II for cleanup activities at the former Guterl Steel Corporation property in Lockport, New York, under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).
Remediation is currently expected to begin in 2027 following completion and approval of required work plans and contractor mobilization.
“This contract award is a significant milestone for the Guterl Site and the Lockport community,” said LTC Aaron Anderson, USACE Buffalo District Commander. “After years of investigation, planning, and coordination, USACE is moving forward with the selected remedy to address long-term protection of human health and the environment.”
The contractor will develop detailed work plans that describe how the work will be performed, including health and safety procedures, environmental controls, transportation requirements, and site operations. Once USACE approves the plans, the agency will hold a public information session to present project details and answer community questions.
The Guterl Site is approximately 70 acres and is located south of Simonds Street between Ohio Street and the Lockport Bypass. The site was added to FUSRAP in 2001 because of historical operations conducted in support of the Nation’s early atomic energy program.
Between 1948 and 1956, the former Simonds Saw and Steel Co. conducted foundry and rolling mill operations involving uranium and thorium metals under contract with the Atomic Energy Commission. As a result of those activities, some site buildings, soil, and groundwater were impacted by contaminants that are now addressed by FUSRAP.
USACE released the record of decision for the Guterl Site in 2024 following years of environmental studies, public involvement, and coordination with the property owner, local officials, and regulatory agencies. The selected remedy addresses thorium-232 and uranium in soil and buildings, as well as uranium in groundwater.
Studies have shown the site contaminants do not pose an immediate threat to workers, the surrounding community, or the adjacent Erie Canal. However, USACE determined that remediation is necessary to address potential long-term risks to human health and the environment. Following completion of FUSRAP cleanup activities, the site is expected to be suitable for industrial use.
Supporting documents, including the record of decision and administrative record, are available for public review at the Lockport Public Library, 23 East Avenue, Lockport, N.Y. 14094.
For additional information or to be added to the email distribution list for Guterl Site updates, email fusrap@usace.army.mil or call 800-833-6390, Option 4. Additional project information is available at: https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/Display/Article/3612330/guterl-steel-site/
Photos and Video
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Background
Under FUSRAP, USACE cleans up sites contaminated as a result of activities performed under the Manhattan Engineer District and early Atomic Energy Commission programs. FUSRAP was initiated in 1974 to identify, investigate, and, where necessary, clean up or control these sites. The Manhattan Engineer District and Atomic Energy Commission were predecessors to the U.S. Department of Energy.
USACE is the lead federal agency for FUSRAP and conducts cleanup activities in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.
The Buffalo District delivers world-class engineering solutions to the Great Lakes region, the Army, and the Nation in support of national security, environmental sustainability, water resource management, and emergency assistance during peace and war.
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