ConEd Substation Explosion Collateral Damage

Apparently during the 89 John Street Con Ed substation explosion and subsequent fire on April 29, collateral damage was done to surrounding cars parked on Plymouth Street. In addition, a few residents are concerned about the hazardous threshold level of PCB contamination as a result of the explosion and fire. The owner of the car damaged during the explosion (in the upper right corner of the photo above) sent us the following note:

We’re writing to warn you of potentially hazardous levels of PCB’s released during the April 29th fire at ConEd’s Farragut Substation in DUMBO/Vinegar Hill, which you reported on in an April 30th post.

Our car was parked directly opposite the Farragut Substation gate on Plymouth Street at the time of the fire. Its rear window was destroyed and the interior contaminated with transformer components, debris and soot as a result of the explosion and subsequent fire at the facility. Knowing that ConEd hazmat crews had tested the area for PCB’s in the wake of the fire (including our car), we requested a copy of the environmental testing report. After first ignoring repeated requests, ConEd finally released the report to us yesterday afternoon, Friday May 9.

The day after the fire, we were told by Sean Monaghan of the ConEd environmental department that our car was clean and that we could pick it up. When we asked what “clean” meant, he told us that it tested below 1 ppm (parts per million), which he said was ConEd’s threshold for hazardous PCB contamination. Not wishing to expose our 20-month-old son to ConEd’s ‘acceptable level’ of contamination without first seeing the test results, we did not pick up the car. As it turns out, according to the report, the interior of the car was never tested.

What is likely of primary concern to you and your neighbors is the data on page 5 of the attached report, which indicates that curbside water outside the gate tested at 3 ppm, triple ConEd’s stated hazardous threshold level of PCB contamination. We understand that this is the second fire at this facility in the last six months. Given the reckless disregard they’ve exhibited toward our family’s safety and the contempt with which they’ve treated us in their fire’s aftermath, we have little doubt this level of concern extends to the community at large. We thought you should know.

We’re not environmental experts, so we don’t want to comment on what this means. If anyone can speak to it, please chime in. The EPA’s “Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Site Revitalization Guidance Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)” document addresses clean up and disposal requirements for PCBs pcb-guid3-06.pdf (PDF).

wikipedia entry on PCB

42 Comment

  • Don’t know who pursued this (no name mentioned) but I am very grateful that you did. Our building at 260 Water St was completely engulfed with the smoke and it left a very noticeable residue all over my terrace (where I grow vegetables, etc. and where my dog spends a lot of time). It was very difficult to clean it off the furniture, etc. I inquired myself re: testing my soil, a/c filter, etc. but was told that Con Ed doesn’t test privately. You are so right in that we ALL should be concerned. I have contacted the President of the Vinegar Hill Neighborhood Association requesting that she speak with Con Ed as well. If others live in DUMBO, not VH, I would advise you to contact the DUMBO neighborhood Association as well. Collective voices make a difference. And let’s use this forum to keep each other posted. I am so sorry about your car, etc. but thank you so much for taking the first steps toward this investigation.

  • Don’t know who pursued this (no name mentioned) but I am very grateful that you did. Our building at 260 Water St was completely engulfed with the smoke and it left a very noticeable residue all over my terrace (where I grow vegetables, etc. and where my dog spends a lot of time). It was very difficult to clean it off the furniture, etc. I inquired myself re: testing my soil, a/c filter, etc. but was told that Con Ed doesn’t test privately. You are so right in that we ALL should be concerned. I have contacted the President of the Vinegar Hill Neighborhood Association requesting that she speak with Con Ed as well. If others live in DUMBO, not VH, I would advise you to contact the DUMBO neighborhood Association as well. Collective voices make a difference. And let’s use this forum to keep each other posted. I am so sorry about your car, etc. but thank you so much for taking the first steps toward this investigation.

  • You should have already called your insurance company, the car is totaled as its now a hazardous material and I assume can’t just be scrapped.
    Prepare for a few grand from insurance (never take their first offer) and a lengthy court process for damages from the city & ConEd (considering FDNY released your dog covered in PCBs)
    Who can we contact with a FOIA for an environmental report from the previous fire?

  • You should have already called your insurance company, the car is totaled as its now a hazardous material and I assume can’t just be scrapped.
    Prepare for a few grand from insurance (never take their first offer) and a lengthy court process for damages from the city & ConEd (considering FDNY released your dog covered in PCBs)
    Who can we contact with a FOIA for an environmental report from the previous fire?

  • PCB production was actually banned in 1977 so it’s shocking to learn this site still uses it (I assume as coolant). Im all for a community organized effort to get these guys to clean up or move out. 2 explosions in 6 months is not acceptable.

  • PCB production was actually banned in 1977 so it’s shocking to learn this site still uses it (I assume as coolant). Im all for a community organized effort to get these guys to clean up or move out. 2 explosions in 6 months is not acceptable.

  • Will there be any toxic PCB discounts from 205 Water of Kirkman Loft’s?

  • Will there be any toxic PCB discounts from 205 Water of Kirkman Loft’s?

  • It is unbelievable that everyone has an opinion about who should go and who should stay. Hey People,you know what, you knew when you rented or bought your apartments where you were buying them. This was no surprise so quit your holier than thou act and NIMBY and get all the facts straight. How convenient it is to only supply one page of a report instead of the entire package and how fast you are to act and judge. Con Ed isn’t going anywhere.

  • It is unbelievable that everyone has an opinion about who should go and who should stay. Hey People,you know what, you knew when you rented or bought your apartments where you were buying them. This was no surprise so quit your holier than thou act and NIMBY and get all the facts straight. How convenient it is to only supply one page of a report instead of the entire package and how fast you are to act and judge. Con Ed isn’t going anywhere.

  • No, Con Ed is NOT going anywhere. I’ve been here over 8 years(I work across the street from one plant and live across the street from another) and I know where I moved and am not advocating that they move nor shut down. I accept completely where I live, really enjoy VH and am not being all NIMBY. But I would like Con Ed to give us some straight answers, and a bit of information as to what we should do if the smoke from the explosion infiltrated where we live. For example, should we change our A/C filters, do I NOT eat the veggies and fruits that are in my garden, should I be doing something else besides just the regular cleaning I did on my terrace, is my dog safe to roll around out there, etc.? I don’t think that’s too much to ask. It was not an insignificant fire/explosion and it did effect several residents’ homes that day. I accept the risks of living so close to the Con Ed plants, but would just like them to consider their neighbors when accidents like this happen. I’m sure they would inform and educate residents if they had any of their own family members living here. The FDNY felt it was necessary to set up 2 D-con trucks for their first responders – that was a big enough sign for me to be concerned.

  • No, Con Ed is NOT going anywhere. I’ve been here over 8 years(I work across the street from one plant and live across the street from another) and I know where I moved and am not advocating that they move nor shut down. I accept completely where I live, really enjoy VH and am not being all NIMBY. But I would like Con Ed to give us some straight answers, and a bit of information as to what we should do if the smoke from the explosion infiltrated where we live. For example, should we change our A/C filters, do I NOT eat the veggies and fruits that are in my garden, should I be doing something else besides just the regular cleaning I did on my terrace, is my dog safe to roll around out there, etc.? I don’t think that’s too much to ask. It was not an insignificant fire/explosion and it did effect several residents’ homes that day. I accept the risks of living so close to the Con Ed plants, but would just like them to consider their neighbors when accidents like this happen. I’m sure they would inform and educate residents if they had any of their own family members living here. The FDNY felt it was necessary to set up 2 D-con trucks for their first responders – that was a big enough sign for me to be concerned.

  • ConEd moving out would obviously be ideal for the transitioning neighborhood but of course it is their rightful property to keep. That being said, explosions leaking toxic chemicals is not what anyone signed up for. If that were part in parcel for a substation, the mixed use rezoning would have never passed. Had someone unfortunately been walking by when the explosion occurred (such as I often do) they could have been killed or exposed to a lethal amount of toxic chemicals. PCBs were banned in 1977. I would assume the ConEd plant was built prior to that ban and therefore is legally allowed to continue their use of this chemical. That being said, if regular explosions (2 in 6 months) is the norm for this station, the community needs to step in and say that’s not ok or ConEd needs to enclose that substation to protect pedestrians in the event of a future explosion. The fact they are using a banned toxic chemical makes this an even more pressing matter. I would like to see the full report and perhaps CB2 should commission their own environmental study to ensure our streets are safe and clean. I certainly would not take ConEd’s word for it. I wonder if the opinions would be any different if someone were seriously injured or killed. Let’s not let it get to that and step up as a community to keep it safe.

  • ConEd moving out would obviously be ideal for the transitioning neighborhood but of course it is their rightful property to keep. That being said, explosions leaking toxic chemicals is not what anyone signed up for. If that were part in parcel for a substation, the mixed use rezoning would have never passed. Had someone unfortunately been walking by when the explosion occurred (such as I often do) they could have been killed or exposed to a lethal amount of toxic chemicals. PCBs were banned in 1977. I would assume the ConEd plant was built prior to that ban and therefore is legally allowed to continue their use of this chemical. That being said, if regular explosions (2 in 6 months) is the norm for this station, the community needs to step in and say that’s not ok or ConEd needs to enclose that substation to protect pedestrians in the event of a future explosion. The fact they are using a banned toxic chemical makes this an even more pressing matter. I would like to see the full report and perhaps CB2 should commission their own environmental study to ensure our streets are safe and clean. I certainly would not take ConEd’s word for it. I wonder if the opinions would be any different if someone were seriously injured or killed. Let’s not let it get to that and step up as a community to keep it safe.

  • @Kathy G, there have been NUMEROUS reports on this website, Brooklyn Eagle, Brownstoner, and elsewhere that ConEd WILL be dismantling that station. As to the accuracy of these reports, I can’t say. Would love if someone could get some actual information from ConEd on this.

  • @Kathy G, there have been NUMEROUS reports on this website, Brooklyn Eagle, Brownstoner, and elsewhere that ConEd WILL be dismantling that station. As to the accuracy of these reports, I can’t say. Would love if someone could get some actual information from ConEd on this.

  • I have been in constant contact with Con Edison regarding their demolition of the plant and the blast that has occurred.
    The main demolition of the plant is certainly planned, but at the moment has been forestalled for budgetary reasons and will take many years to achieve. The facility presently and will in the future likely continue to act as a transfer point for steam from the Navy Yard Co-Generating facility;the steam is used in the heating and cooling systems of older buildings in the City.
    I have already set up a meeting with Con Ed and VHNA for next week to discuss the specifics and the findings of their investigation of this fire.

  • I have been in constant contact with Con Edison regarding their demolition of the plant and the blast that has occurred.
    The main demolition of the plant is certainly planned, but at the moment has been forestalled for budgetary reasons and will take many years to achieve. The facility presently and will in the future likely continue to act as a transfer point for steam from the Navy Yard Co-Generating facility;the steam is used in the heating and cooling systems of older buildings in the City.
    I have already set up a meeting with Con Ed and VHNA for next week to discuss the specifics and the findings of their investigation of this fire.

  • Thank you Aldona for the update. We’re not saying that the plant owners need to leave. It’s their property to begin with, so we have no right to tell them what to do with it. However, events there that affect the community are harmful, we need to be aware of it and be concerned that the ConEd operators are complying with all environmental safety requirements.

  • Thank you Aldona for the update. We’re not saying that the plant owners need to leave. It’s their property to begin with, so we have no right to tell them what to do with it. However, events there that affect the community are harmful, we need to be aware of it and be concerned that the ConEd operators are complying with all environmental safety requirements.

  • Find out about the clean up from the explosion last year as well. They barely cleaned up John St after flooding it with contaminated water from the sprinklers which went right into the storm drain into the river…

  • Find out about the clean up from the explosion last year as well. They barely cleaned up John St after flooding it with contaminated water from the sprinklers which went right into the storm drain into the river…

  • Update: Con Ed has refused to replace our car (with smashed window in photo above), despite its pollution with soot, smoke and debris – if you haven’t seen the video on this blog’s April 30 post yet, take a look.

    In their estimation, it’s “clean”, which apparently means that because they didn’t test the interior for PCB’s or any other toxins, there’s no evidence to the contrary. Neat trick, huh? Except that it’s our car.

    How many of you would put your child in that car now? We sure won’t. Now we’re without a viable means of personal transportation.

    It’s good to hear that VHNA will meet with ConEd next week. While we don’t live in Vinegar Hill, we’re certainly members of the affected community and will attend the meeting. We’ll look forward to the opportunity to bear witness on behalf of our neighbors to Con Ed’s systematic refusal to accept accountability and their consummate disregard for the health and welfare of people whose property they contaminate and destroy. Your family’s health or property – or both – could be in jeopardy.

  • Update: Con Ed has refused to replace our car (with smashed window in photo above), despite its pollution with soot, smoke and debris – if you haven’t seen the video on this blog’s April 30 post yet, take a look.

    In their estimation, it’s “clean”, which apparently means that because they didn’t test the interior for PCB’s or any other toxins, there’s no evidence to the contrary. Neat trick, huh? Except that it’s our car.

    How many of you would put your child in that car now? We sure won’t. Now we’re without a viable means of personal transportation.

    It’s good to hear that VHNA will meet with ConEd next week. While we don’t live in Vinegar Hill, we’re certainly members of the affected community and will attend the meeting. We’ll look forward to the opportunity to bear witness on behalf of our neighbors to Con Ed’s systematic refusal to accept accountability and their consummate disregard for the health and welfare of people whose property they contaminate and destroy. Your family’s health or property – or both – could be in jeopardy.

  • Thanks for the info Aldona. Where will we be able to hear the results of that discussion?

  • Thanks for the info Aldona. Where will we be able to hear the results of that discussion?

  • fyi – special meeting of the vinegar hill neighborhood association

    when: wednesday, may 23, 2012
    time: 7:00 p.m. sharp

    location: phoenix house
    50 jay street, brooklyn, ny 11201
    (between water & plymouth streets)

    agenda:
    presentation and explanation of con edison’s investigation of the blast and fire of sunday, april 29, 2012 at the farragut substation

    this is the only agenda item for this meeting

  • fyi – special meeting of the vinegar hill neighborhood association

    when: wednesday, may 23, 2012
    time: 7:00 p.m. sharp

    location: phoenix house
    50 jay street, brooklyn, ny 11201
    (between water & plymouth streets)

    agenda:
    presentation and explanation of con edison’s investigation of the blast and fire of sunday, april 29, 2012 at the farragut substation

    this is the only agenda item for this meeting

  • Peter, Con Ed will not just replace your car, that is your insurance company’s job. You should have called them immediately! The car is totaled & you’ll get a check from them. Their lawyers will have the teeth to make Con Ed pay up.

  • Peter, Con Ed will not just replace your car, that is your insurance company’s job. You should have called them immediately! The car is totaled & you’ll get a check from them. Their lawyers will have the teeth to make Con Ed pay up.

  • Dear Neighbors:
    I cordially invite anyone who has been directly affected by this incident to the Vinegar Hill Meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd at Phoenix House at 7 p.m. As this is an environmental issue that affects all of us I believe that it will be best to do this. As I am opening up this meeting to a lot more people I will be having a sign up sheet for people to pose their questions and will have a time limit of 3 minutes to speak. I hope that in this way we can have all of our questions answered. If you would be so kind as to let me know if you will attend it would give me a better understanding of many people there will be and I can prepare for all of you. Thank you.

  • Dear Neighbors:
    I cordially invite anyone who has been directly affected by this incident to the Vinegar Hill Meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd at Phoenix House at 7 p.m. As this is an environmental issue that affects all of us I believe that it will be best to do this. As I am opening up this meeting to a lot more people I will be having a sign up sheet for people to pose their questions and will have a time limit of 3 minutes to speak. I hope that in this way we can have all of our questions answered. If you would be so kind as to let me know if you will attend it would give me a better understanding of many people there will be and I can prepare for all of you. Thank you.

  • will a representative from conEd be at the VH meeting on may 23?

  • will a representative from conEd be at the VH meeting on may 23?

  • Yes, of course Con Edison is going to be there. That is why I am holding the meeting.

  • Yes, of course Con Edison is going to be there. That is why I am holding the meeting.

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  • Pingback: Dumbo NYC, Brooklyn » Archive » Special Meeting of the Vinegar Hill Neighborhood Association on Fire at ConEd (DumboNYC.com)

  • I will attend. I’m buying at 205 Water Street, and will be a new neighbor.

    Arlyne

  • I will attend. I’m buying at 205 Water Street, and will be a new neighbor.

    Arlyne

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  • Pingback: Dumbo NYC, Brooklyn » Archive » Vinegar Hill Neighborhood Association with Con Edison Meeting Minutes (DumboNYC.com)