HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0212.470 1996-1998 ~ ,
County Council /a~
LETTERS REGARDING ISOMEDIX
AND ITS OPERATIONS
FROM
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(,URRr~NT INDUSTRIAL L(~;,~~ LIONS
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WHAT TYPE OF INDUSTRIAL NEIGHBOR IS ISOMEDIX?
President Daniel Scanlon April 9, 1997
Village of Morton Grove, Illinois
"The Village has not regretted entering into a long term lease agreement with Isomedix..."
Mayor Lance Westcamp April 9, 1997
Village of Groveport, Ohio
"Isomedix has been an excellent addition to our community and we would recommend that other
communities looking at such a facility (and) give it due and serious consideration."
Mayor Jo Ann Eckmann April 11, 1997
Village of Libertyville, Illinois
"Isomedix has been a good corporate neighbor and the Village has not experienced any problems
with the Libertyville facilities."
Mayor Joseph Battiato April 14, 1997
Village of Chester, New York
"Isomedix was very cooperative and showed a true effort toward making their facility a first class
facility, safe both to the general public, as well as their facility operators."
"...Isomedix "lived up" to both the promises and assurances made at the planning board....."
William E. Henries April 14, 1997
Chair, Northborough Board of S8lectmen (Massachusetts)
"...Isomedix has long-served as a quiet neighbor, respectful of the rules and regulations
promulgated by the Town..."
"...Fire Chief Duggan reported that the Isomedix Cobalt-60 Industrial Irradiator has not been
problematic..."
Mayor S.C. Iannaccone April 15, 1997
Township of Hanover (New Jersey)
"...we consider Isomedix to be a highly respected member of our industrial community..."
"The safe and professional manner in which.Isomedix has conducted their operations within the
Township has made them a welcome presence."
Comments Continued
Mayor James E. Talley April 16, 1997
City of Spartanburg, (South Carolina)
"Their safety record is outstanding with all of the governmental agencies who monitor all
businesses within our State, and never once has any company, government official or agency had
any reason to be concerned about Isomedix's presence as an industrial neighbor."
"This letter is our firm recommendation for Isomedix to any other azea..."
Mayor Tom Edwards April 16, 1997
The Corporation of the Town of Whitby (Canada)
"Isomedix has a history of good corporate citizenship and we have had no complaints
registered..."
"We are very happy to have them as part of our industrial community."
Mayor Tom Dolan April 16, 1997
Sandy City, Utah
"The Isomedix facility has been clean of problems, noise, complaints and other impacts."
"Sandy City considers Isomedix a good corporate citizen and an asset to the community."
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• - ~ ~ ~iila~e of r~a~rton ~ro~e
Office of the Navor
Daniel D. Scanlon
April 9, 1997
George Diety, Senior Vice President
Isoi~ledix
11 Apcilc Dtive
Wllippeny, New Jersey 07981
Dent George:
I am in receipt of your ccrrespondence dated April 1, 1997, asking that the Villzge provide seine
information regarding our relationship with Isomedix and any problems or co7lcerns than. have arisen. during
the time the company has been a corporate resident of Morton Grove. i should also disclose that the
location at 7828 Naule :avenue is located on Village owned property and the company has a lot;g tei~lt
lease for that space.
L)urng the company's residency in the Village of Morton Grove, we found the facili~j to be operated in a
safe and professional manner. ?rimary responsibility for overseeing the operation, of course, falls with the
Nucleawt Regulatory Commission and the appropriation State Oversite Agency who provrde regular
inspections and oversite at the facility. Isomedix has maintained thole grounds in good repair and recently
completed a substantial remodeling and moderhization of the facility even thougt-i they do not hold title to
the property. I am unaware of any local code related problems with the company and to our lalowiedge
there has never bean any significant safety problems or accidents as a : esult of Isomedix operations.
'The company's safety record and operations were very carefully reviewed at the time the Village entered
into a long term lease with the company since there d~as concern about potential liability from having this
opefatior! continue 'on Village owned propem• (the company had an existing lease on the site at the. tine
file~% i11.1gC aCy^ulr~,d tit(4 t0 tl'a$ siLe). O!~O Win9 that re~~ie`.c', tier in`s•^.C:IIOP. ui : he Co;npar.~ `5 Ca:.cL j' and
an1`. de {11 37lit1}'Si5 Gf CUITSpanV Op,°.:'at:.^,rLS. tiJe 'fli in;.i Vi:iS a :>afr; anG AliprG~rinte ;i3e YC R'.Ti:~Si 'u'v'l!1 OG
'vll7.age ;7:
~p;.rry• ar~d ,r~ xne m.dustrial tI2.°. ii7 W111Ch t117S 'aCiil t`~ tS IC16'.-^.t :(1. '~:le . IaS`". :?w" IIOL :'2^-~:':ti:'.C
Cnt~rL' i2 li.i:U a in.^.L L0m1 iC3SE af•~'eOmCnt wit17 :SGI;ledlX :ii;d a!'}iti:i j73r.?S i 1?.aT, ii1P CCi:?*:ai1V ~:JLi ''C~~iait' ~}*1
i;; si~E' f1- itl:;ny years into the future.
I hope this co:r~spondent;e adecuately responds to year -eauest and ,n^sh Isomcdix continued success oGt
3t t177S +CCatlOn at?d with regat;t t0 ;~OUr wOrid!VId° CiperatiUriS. .L 1 ::ai2 Jr!?Vii1C il:ttl;t'.r ifffUlr^aL7utL d'. 11U!
~leSltat° tG CU[1CaCt ;ny GITIGe.
Sincerely,
? ,
Daniel D. Scanlon.
Village President
DDS/Hilt
cc: Village BGard of Truste~echard. T. Flickinger Mu77icipal Ce7uer
6101 Capulina Avenue Morton Grote, Illinois G0053 ?985 ,~fq
Tel: (8471 965-4100 TDD (847) 470-749 Fax: (847) 96i-:}162 '~p
Ra.vdcJ Pancr
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A ~ ~
:~pril9, I9S7
VLr. George Diems
Senior Vice President
ISOMEDIX
11 .',polio Drive
t1?ltippany, ~IJ 07951
f0eaz ~4r. Deitz:
The Village of Gnwepart is located in the south eastern comer of Franklin Counryjust minutas
from downtown Columbus. T'he Village is a growing community with many com.^terciai anti
industrial cnnorate citizens making up our community. Isomedix has been a goad co~orate
citizen in our cormnuniry since 1984. During that time Isomedix has developed a facility which
includes a network of eleven large scale Cobalt-60 industrial irradiators which are used to sterlize
a large range of consumer produ~ s and disposable medical devices. The facility is well
maintained. kept free of outside debris, and is kept in compliance with local zoning and property
maintenance standards.
In 1954, when this facility was piaruled, many of the residential neighbors and corporate
:leighbors near tins facility were concerned about having an irradiator in their neighborhood but
those concerns have proved to be with out merit. The Village of Gtoveport Police Department
and the Groveport vladison Fire Department have not had to respond to this facility for other
than routine. insaections daring its entire operation. The community has not been neQarively
impacted 'vy ;i:is facilir,.~ ..r. any manner and wr ara OtPase+~ to nave .(ion-.edix as a pat. or :,ar
~c•!m:~u:uty.
~ 1?~ lCCal =SCP.:~dLt r=ener^W '.`:Iana.2er John Schweers ,has taken CbE tim~.'. t0 attend ~unC:l
.7feeCin~5 CO update LLS CP, t::elr ::DeratlCilS alCd t0 allow tae members ef'CCUnc,:i, t::e public and
= illage Sta~to ask euestions about the facility, ivir. Sch:veers has prccided ns with detailed
ezp.anat:on; of t;le process used by the company and how this ga.-ticular facisty ~~+ori:s. He .sas
able tc take a ve.~
~ technic~i process and provide espianations that those of us wlto `?on': deal
vrith such matters on a daily basis could understand.
The Village of Groveport recently included video of the outside of the Isomedix facility in an
economic development marketing video which we produced to be used to recruit other businesses
to Locate facilities in Groveport. Obviously, if we had any concerns whatsoever about the
operation of the Isomedix facility in our community, Isomedix would not have been included.
Cetebcatfng
Hometown Village of GrovepoR Groveport UH. 43125
~ltage Meyor Mc>nicipa! Phone (614' 836-5301
lance Westcamp Municipal FAX (6 i 4) 836-1953
Muni~pal Building • Police Department. Email: groveport C~ nextek.r:zt
,~c 655 Blacklick SVeet www.proraport.oh.us
~ ~ Police FAX (614) 836-4,592.
o.
f
Isomedix has been an excellent addition to our community and we would recommend that other
comrnunit~es looking at such a facility and give it due and serious consideration.
Sincerely, II
~G?~C.c_ Gll
Lance Westcamp~% ,9
Mayor
cc: Vanisa Osborn, Village Administrator
Roger Adams, Chief of Police
~x" \p
~ 'V~ll~ge of Lilbertyv111e
-
i 13 ~Vesr Cook Avenue • Libertyville, Illinois 66043-1'347 • 817/362.:1.0
~li ;ijll~ 'iii
'i~l!~i!Ij!~ April 11, 1997
:I ~~I~li i~ jl~~
iI!j,j~;;!I;;,~i~;
I ~ George Dietz
I; j i s i j Senior Vice President
I. ~I,,~
I ~ : ~ „ ~ : ; i : ~ Isomedix
~'~i l;!;,~ ~j I1 Apollo Drive
' ~ I ~ ~ ~ ' ' ! I Whippany, New Jersey 07981
{ r,
i
i:i
Dear !dir. Dietz:
I
This letter is in response to your request for comments from geve^vnent officials in
those communities where Isomedix currently has a facility located. The Village of
Liberty~~lle approved a site plan for an Isomedix facility on April 25, ! 995. Site. plan
approval was for an office, warehouse and gamma sterilization facility. The riew facility
represented an expansion of Isomedix existing Libertyville location which had been in
place since 1985.
' Throughout the process, Isomedix officials have been very cooperative and informative
i': ,j~'; to Village representatives. Isomedix officials were able to provide the necessary
' i 1 ! ~ informaUOn regarding their sterilization process and facilities to assure Village officcals
of the safety precautions of the company. Isomedix has been a good corporate
neighbor and the Village has not experienced any problems with the Libemwille
I':" facilities.
II
i Ir
SinczrPly,
j la Amt Fckma.•ur
. , i ; Mayor
i
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i~I;V4111,
i l ~ i ' ~ ~ l i ; ! ; i cc: Adtnuristrator
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C Maie Offlee
' 45 Q+assaick Ave. (Route 9w)
New Windsor, New York 12553
(914)562-8640
PC: Braneh Offiee
1CGOEY, HAUSER and EDSALL 5078road Street
'v`ONSULTiNG ENGINEERS P.C. Mat ~ zs6•z76e ivania 163x7
RICHARD D. McGOEY. P.E.
WILLIAM J. HAUSER, P.E.
MARK J. EDSALL, P.E.
JAMES M. FARR, P.E.
I1 April 1997
Steven K. Yamashiro, Mayor
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street -Room 215
Hilo. Hawaii 96720-4252
SUBJECT: ISOi~1EDIX CORPO??
~,TION
Dear Mayor Yamasbiro:
I have been asked by the Mayor of the Village of Chester, Joseph Battiato, to provide this letter with
some data and background concerning the Isomedix Corp Facility in the Chester Industrial Park of the
Village.
Isomedix made application to the Village of Chester P1an~Ling Boazd during 1991 for aCobalt-60 Gamma
Irradiator Facility. The facility was intended as a processing plant utilized for sterilization of various
items, such as medical supplies (surgical gloves, instruments, bandage dressings, etc.). The facility was
a building approximately 60,000 squaze feet, of which nearly 95% was wazehousing for products
awaiting sterilization, cr already sterilized. The applicatior. rereived immediate attention both from tl"ie
public, as well as the local and regional ne.JS media. Ccncerns regarding potential taxrds to Village
residents, passers by,.as :aeil as the ervircnment v.ere immediately raised.
[n Ne:v York State. environmental revie:vs are performed corsis*.r'r.Y wi~l! the Stare Ervironntental Qualirr
a\CV!0:+i aCi (SEl}R:',), a StatB LaW \Y`nCn ^tzscribes methodology fer revie:+r ~~f all aCL:crs. Isomecls
submitted a Full Ettv!romnertal Assessment Form, which is an 11 pace document providing general
information concernir_g the application. In their review of ?he Isomedi~L application. the Planning Boazd
considFred potential imparts for traffic, noise; odor, solid waste pmdLLCtion, 1.~*:d distLtrbances, potential
effects on natural resources, potential effects of discharges to air, as well as tht more pLLbi.icized potential
hazard to human health. As Lead Agency for tlLe SEQRA review, the Village Planning Boazd obtained
input and assistance from an involved agency (one which also issues a permit or approval), the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Isomedix was required to obtain an Air
Discharge Permit frcm NYSDEC. As well, if any product discharge was to occur from the plant into
the municipal sanitary sewage collection system, same would also be a NYSDEC issue.
Licensed !n hew Vork. New Jersey and Pennapvania
g
;.:even K. Yamashiro, Mayor Page 2 I I April 1997
in addition to the assistance received from the NYSDEC, the Village Planning Board obtained the
services of an independent nuclear expert. Robert E. Berlin, DPH. i~Ir. Berlin provided an invaluable
service in that he performed a thoroueh revie•.v of the project as proposed, data obtained from the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regazding other Isomedix Facilities, and provided an explanation
at the public meetings (in layman's terms) of the operation of a Cobalt••60 Gamma Irradiator Facility.
~1r. Berlin dispelled many inaccurate rumors regazding the plant operation, such as one that all products
exposed to the Irradiator becorne "radioactive", including products, the site and building. If I make any
recommendation in this letter which is most important, I would suggest that your municipality also seek
the services of an independent expert to provide both the reviewing agency with independent information,
as well as respond tc public corcems.
Following the Planning Board environmental review, the Board (as Lead Agency) adopted a Negative
Declaration (Notice of Determination of Non-Signiftcance) for the project. This determination is a
procedural step tinder SEQRA, which is a determination that the project will not have a signi~icant
environmental ef_*'ect. I have provided herewith a copy of the Negative Declaration for your perusal.
During the Planning Boazd application process, it became appazent that Isomedix had received some
minor violations from the NRC at other Isomedix Facilities. During the time of the application, it was
our understanding that Isomedix had been in business for approximately twenty (20} years and had
pine (9) operating facilities. It was .our observation that Isomedix took these minor violations very
seriously and immediately adopted procedures and modified their operations to universalI}• prevent
recurrence of any such problems at any of their other facilities. Isomedix demonstrated a corporate
safety program that established safety as their primary concern for plant operations. Isomedix assured
the Planning Board that the facility would be properly manned at all times during operation. As Weil,
regulaz monitoring of the Irradiator ventilation system, safety interlocks for entry to the processing area,
methodoloeies to insure ~~at safety sys?ems are not bypassed, and maintenance of loo books and
c_^.~riciists fe* safety *eiated m~?niter~r.g til ttiere elements is their safety e!iort presented to the Pianriing
%ward, and established n~eir licensa for operation -.with the \RC and rhE New York Stale Deprtmcnt
Labor.
One additional envirc:urental concern •a:hicit ~:vtts raised was the potential cortaminarcn :,t the Black
:Meadow Aquir"er r:hich runs :order the Chester Industrial Park. Since t'r.;, Cobalt-60 is stored in a pure
•.vater bath contained in a concrete storage structure 20 't. below grade, the Planning Boazd and the
public both raised tae Aanif r ccrrtamination issue. Isomedix titorougaly addressed this issue to ti;e
satisfacdon of everyone. Concerns were also raised as to the safety to the general public during the
transport of the Cobalt-60 to the site. Regazding this concern, Isomedix also thoroughly explained the
method by which the materials are shipped (in extremely durable shipping containers) and the ''track
history" of sttch shippitg operations. This explanation also quelled any feazs regazding the shipping
operations.
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'even K. Yamashiro, Mayor Page 3 11 April 199?
Jur offtce represents approximately tvvenry (20) municipalities in New York, Pennsylvania and New
Jersey. The Isomedix application in the Village of Chester had the potential to cause significant public
objection and, po*.entially outrage if approved; however, this was not the case. The professional n-~azmer
ir_ which the representatives of Isomedix explained their proposal, ~ well as *.he public benefit of their
~ei•vices, together with the explanations and assurances from the independent expert, all served to "keep
calm" and permit a rational and thorough review of the application. The project received conditional
site plan approval during December 1991, with construction commencing during 199?. During my visit
ro the plant during construction, I found Isomedix to be as corunitted to quality coiist.*.uction as wa
indicated daring the approvai process. I am not aware of any operational problems or violations a± the
f:laat since its start of operation, and would not hesitate at all to recommend to at:•~ of rn;% municipal
clients that isomedix be welcomed to their conur:ercial community.
i.` I can be of any further assistance regazding ':!us matter, please du nol hesitate to contact me at 9 ;
56=-8640.
~.'ery truly yours,
~'IcCGOEY, FI~+,USER and EDSALL
F'C1iySUi~ IN ENGINES. , P.C.
~
~I~J. Ed , P.E.
'Principal
~'C: ~:03Cr3Cte Jisepn riatt:atC. ~I3VCI. ~','l..hester
ve:.=ge P.ic~..:. Serioz Vicz Preeidr„~~, tsu:nedix ~ ~rpor...icr.
A:Y:1:VI<~SH2.mk
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sEQx
617.21
Appendix F
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
State Environmental Quality Review
Notice of Determination of Non-Sicnificance
Proiect Number 9].-8 Date December 18, 1991
This notice .is issued pursuant to Part 617 of the implementing regulations
pertaining to Article 8 (State £nvironmental Quality Review A~:t) of the £rvirormental
Conservation Law.
The Planning Board of the Village of Chester, Orange County,
New York, as lead agency, has determined that the proposed art ion described below
will not have a sigaificart effect on the environment and a Draft Environmental Impact
Statement will not be prepared.
xame of Action: Application of V. Paulius & Associates/lsomed.ix for minor
'subdivision and site plan approvals.
SEAR Status: Type 1
Unlisted X
Conditioned Negative Declaration: Yes
X No
Description of Action:
V. Paulius & Associates of Allerdaie, New ,jersey, 1-:as requested
the Planning Board to approve an application for a minor subdivision in
tre Chester. Indu=*..riai Dark. .:e iJ'r^'resel subdlvislcn ~~111 create a
9.!!.~ acr_ parcel, °.:aor. :chic.
. 130mCC 1__, T_nC, :1= •iT~, :fit n:.P :^~IeW .Tors ~1',
i~l].i Jlili~. a arilma radlat].Jn Steri:i 2,~-..Cl:~n 'i l:i.lt]' CT' t~:a2
star_liza~.ion Gf P,eS3, ;;.ny-le-usa m2~;iCa1 r_C;.?~1CtS. 1e 'rla::riiT1Q DJa%:j
15 dJ 'C be:.ng rE:C(L`e S'~2d t0 ;pnrove tk:e 51:... plan t^~E F:r ~,G.zti'~:n
~3Ci11`V. XCODtIng t.:e 2.591 square fCC- 1:"f _'.i '.?T:. „
,346~nuare foot *aci.li.ty is a ,.aa.renouse jai'=h an^o::fica.
:.ocatioa:
The proposed subdivided parcel is located on Elizabeth Urive .in
the Chester Industrial Park in the Village of Chester, orange Co~inty,
New York.
b e.
SEQx Negative Declarat:cn Paae 2
Reasons SupYio rting This Determination:
Upon being presented with the applications of V. Pauiius &
Associates/Isomedix for subdivision and site plan approvals (the
1°Application"), the Planning Board proceeded to educate itself about
the gamma radiation. sterilization process in general and Isomedix. :in
particular. The Board requested, and received, advice from the United
States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, and the New York State Department of Labor,
Radiological Unit. It received a Fu11 Environmental Assessment Fcrm
from Isomedix and requested, and received, supplemental answers from
Isomedix to *:he E.A.F. The Board inquired of local officials in
municipalities vrh~re Isomedix had existing facilities, and toured an
operzti.^.g Lso:,,vdia facility in Whippany, New Jersey.
In additicn, the Board hired an independent. consultant, Dr. Robert
Berlin, to advise the Board. Dr.. Berlin is a professor of engineering
at Manhattan College and i)as 35 years experience in the nuclear/
environmental field. Dr. Berlin has a degree in Mechanical Engineering
from the City University of New Yurk, a Masters degree in Engineering
Science from Rennselear Polytechnic Institute, a Masters degree in
Industrial Engineering from New York University, and a Doctorate in
Public Health from Columbia University. He is also the Reactor
Administrator of a nuclear facility at Manhattan College.
Finally, the Board held a SEAR public hearing prior to making the
determination of significance.
In making its determination of significance, the Board relied upon
(1) information provided by the Applicant, (2) advice provided by
Dr. Berlin and the Engineer for the Vi1lare, a?]d (3) comments at the
p::b_.__ .^.esr~ag. in sddition, .the ,3iidrt~ C:O.^.S1:ICi'C. L:)C~ rN- •I
a3U7la t:
re~+.a?d long-?.arm, snort-i:Arm and . c~:m,.Lat.i•.,•? °_ffeCtS 0= t;;F.
Applir3i:i.;:n`S impact in oonnE3ytiJn ~i'ti~. °~ropC_ed :~itn ~OCd~_7.gr il:
3n ci:istl`y _'l~j uStJ:'i 7~. _i3ri~.. :.5 on Lr. c?. ;~•1rGnmc~fi Q_S~_+1SS E?d
'~elG,~, :ae_e a1::U aSSLSSE:d ~:CnnE`Ct1Gn :u:~.!'~ Th?:
prvb~aillilty CYO ~<CCUi. _renc F_)
(c) irreversibility;
(d) geographic scope;
(e) magnitude; and
(f) number of people affected.
P B.
55L1R Negative Declaration Page 3
_ The Board considered the cumulative Effects of all related Board
ac*_ions in connection with the Application.
'fhe site of the proposed Application i.s wi.thin an active
industrial parY., of 206 acres, containing mestay warehousing-type
facilities. The proposed 9.07± acre site within the Industrial Park is
a minor subdivision of a ].25 acre vacant parcel. The proposed facility
is a warehouse with an attached irradiation roo,;,. The industrial
nature of the facility is in complete agreEment wir_h, and i
furtherance of, the Village's plans and goals to concentrate this type
of development in the industrial park. The newly constructed facility
will be architecturally and aesthetically similar to t:he Existing
facilities in the Industrial Park. The newly constructed facility wi:l.l
nct impair the character_ cr quality of any historical, arc!leological,
architeci:ural, or aesthetic resource and is in complete conformance
with the character of the neighborhood and community. There will. be r,o
substantial change in the use, or intensity of use, of land, including
agricultural, open space or recreational resources. 'P'.:a Industrial
Park, and its surroundings contain no known threatened or' Endangered
species of animal or plant, or tkle habitat of such species.
The Isomedi,x plant will generate additional truck traffic of
approximately 15 trucks per day delivering and receiving goods during
its 24 hour per day operation. This traffic is consister.*. with any
warehousing facility to be located within the Industrial Park. ~'he
plant will have approximately a total of 40 employees woriting ir, shifts
during each 24 hour period on a routine and ccnsistent basis. The
irradiation process does not generate any noise or odor. The minimal
noise generated by the proposed warehousing activity is entirely
consistent wi.h typical warehousing activiti.ES in L21e Ind::stri.al Park..
The site in questicn is presently cleared. There is rna rEason why
CCAStZ"uCt1CiL1 Would di5t11 i'Yi tire ~~.--iLi gain _U.nn irlCy- t.:rv lC; li ..`.2 I: dli`.:trtJ.i
~~r the proposed ~excavatior. a.^.,.. 13nC..3C3Aing ~.;li:!:<< ~v_ ?;%S :C.n
^on :f 'aTld ~'3.ral.nage p.Lo ns, `~':i2 CG?'i3t?: L1Ct i_Crn snd J "~~f U'^ Ci ~Y:@
p`.~~._
'_'^_11ty L~i1i1 nct _nterf Ere W1r}i th°_ movement cf 7ri'1 "=S1C..:~.^.t J:
T.. catorV f.'.ch Jr w. 1.''.11FE CpCC1eS. The Cll..ty C: .il i)t."i N
_i ZE S`..a nda T~
=`.if'Ctr1C S'3': ~":.•_E fU'Y. 'to Warms-h G~i 37. nCj :~r::l irr a:_+i ~t:_en procES~. T'heZ'E
w!.1 L ~"..E no major charge t0 the^_ drEa by a ll."_.E C~. eitn.'~T the :i:ra't :t1~
~?r. type <if energy the facility will use.
As a result of the above:
1. There will be no substantial adverse change in existing
traffic, noise or odor levels;
2. There will be no substantial increase in either solid waste
production or the potential for erosion, flooding, leaching
or drainage problems;
3. There will be no removal. or destruction of large quantities
of vegetation or fauna, no impact on a significant habitat
u a
S£QR Negative Decl azation Rage
areas nor any other significant adverse effect tc natura.l
resources; and
4. The proposed facility will. not encourage or ~t*_r:ct a large
number of people to the site, or the Industrial Parr, for
more than a few days, compared to the number of people who
would come to the Industrial Par]c were the facility not ir.
the Park.
The irradiation unit of the facility :ai.ll utilize gamma radiation
ger,eratPd by Cobalt-50 contained within stainless steel rods. Gamma
radiation is not itself radioactive and substances exposed to gamma
radiation do not thereby become radioactive. The design of the
is'r=diction unit includes 6 foot `.hick concrete wcils rnd a 25 foot
Seep purified water immersion +.ank ccrstrucea of concrete and
containing a leak proof stainless steel liner. The design rf the
irrradiation unit, including all safety features, gust be reviewed and
approved by the New York State Departmen~ ~f Labor; Radiological Unit,
as being in agreement with and utilizing standards at least as strict
as those required by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
After construction, but before operation, :.he Department of Labor wi).i
conduct two more inspections (both with and without Cobalt-EO present)
prioz to licensing the facility for operation:. During operation, the
facility will be the subject of continuous inspection by the Department
of Labor. There will be constant monitoring of radiation in connection.
with both the employees and the facility.
The importation of the Cobalt-60 to the facility will be done
approximately once per year. The Cobalt-60 will be sent ,`.nom Canada by
Nordion, International and will be transported in a. lead lined cask
approved and tested by the United States Nuclear Regu]ato.ry Ccyrmission
foz failure against catastrophic accidents The sp=nt Col~alt•-60 ;ods
wil_ re*..urned tU ld iirdlOn, 'lnte'~r:at iCRa. __.....^3 a.-i'_" ^.~`.'C:
_ r
..3 r(a 1.^.' .r l'iw r.i spcsCll cf lllL'" -_~~ds 1.1 11?L. G:s1J!~•'~_~. ~l tl,r~ ~.nLv L: "'V t1,.•
~?aciioace.ive ~~~aste c•aliuy Law i G.S. ~ ?v __b =:Fe:~_ r:fl she
ccncemitar.t dispcai ~roble:::s cc•scd tnerecy If :Iurr._cn sr::^.:xid avor
iar2%i it.i ..;:ntraOT_::a responsi.:.i l:.t i.5? t'. - VA a::~ a_`=1:G~°. fJi t=)P
*_'~as 1.:, Cronada, Iw3*.tc?diiC WOU.Id 9afei"y' :[!tintaia ..:iv5~ ~OdL _::C: :i(i
`.'aQlatlOn :~'a r~ present, and then properly dispOS P_ Jf tnem. '.'Re Rai~-
=.E of Cobalt-50 ~e app-roximate ly °_iVt? VE?31":i.
~.:Cbait-^'.0 In t:1EB form utilzzed L^+y an irrad'1atiOn i.3Cillt"y' Jaln'v't
"melt down," emits na radioact i.v ity er rdd).Gai:t i'Je gases, and Cannot
explode. DIO radiation can penetrate through the concrete c:~ails and
generate into the environment. Dr. Berlin has assured the Board that
neither the normal operation of the facility nor any potential occident
within the facility, or involving the transpc:rtation of 'the Cobalt-6C,
will offect public health and safe*_y, including, but r.ct limited tv,
ground water, soil and air.
' P
SEQ"t: Negative Declaration Page s
The operation: of the plant will generate and 3ischarge ozone into
the environment. At the r;aximum Cobalt-6G loading, the facility will
generate apprexima*_eiy 8 minces of ozone per day. T.`,is amour?t of ozone
is below the threshold level of concern, as ineicated by the
view Ycrk State Department of Environmental Conservation at a meeting
with the Village Engineer.
As a result of all of .the above:
1. There will be no substantial adverse change in existing air
quality, ground or surfrce water quality or quantity;
2. No hazard to human health is cieat.ed;
3. There will be no impac= c.^. surrounding properrv values; and
4. The cumulative effect of all of the impacts on the
environment do not resui.t in a subst:~ntial adverse impact on
the environment.
If Coaditioned Negative Declaration, provide en attachment the specific mitigation
measures imposed.
For Further Information:
contact Person: Richard Ramsdell
Chairman, Vil;.age of Chester Planning board
address: c/o Village of Chester
47 Main Street, Chester, New York i091~
Telephone Number: (914) 4E9-2388
~'cr t„~e 1 9ctioas and ~COnditioasd rtegativ~ L'°CSnra=leas, o .=J C.v of this .!a rice Sznt
~,r,;
__^.:711991 r.ner, Dcar LSIIent .'LrO:!m2.^.__i __.._..._.,_t iGil. ..v 'riGis i~... g Ai. lJ ar'.' , vAy. Yor:.
3^rrcrr_ate 3egional Offic= of ~_rart^fent oi =ncircr.:aactsl Cp; se__^ration
Cif icE of the Chief Ezecu*_ivc CYf'_car of tare political aubu i•r is i~r. v:hich t.`.e a___on
will be principall}• lccated.
lppli.cant (if any)
Ether involved agencies (if any
` cKSrc~w+aa VILLAGE OF CHESTER
rerz•nfz ^l~~a
47 A(A1N STBL+hT
CH&Sf$A, NL'19 YOYY Io91a
91f-fb9-3186 *n~worwns+a~r.
acRm~uctrsaKr
mx~r~ ~ ~ ~ 'TaiJSlHBS .IOFW I.UT,lEN9
8UBAN aAMi[N
MA104 JQtE/H P. BA1T1A70
CLNa, EL77ABlT918. KAGIPA "".,'.`.::,°."C"~ ass
~~i~.~rr/xn EUGENE COI,~ipa
April'14, 1997
Steveri~ K. Yemaahirc, Mayor
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street - Room 215
Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252
Re: ISOMEDIX CORPORATION
Geer Mayor Yamashiro:
I have received your letter of March 7, 1997 regarding the proposed
Isomadix Irradiator Facility in Hilo, Hawaii. I have read your
letter with great interest and am hopeful Lhat this response Will
assist you in your efforts to bring the tropical fruit processing
facility .to fruition.
Isomadix Inc. made application to the Village Planning Board during
1991 for en Irradiation Sterilization Facility in en industrial park
wlthin the Village, The Village Planning Board reviewed many eapecta
cf the project and discussed the many concerns of net enly the public,
but"the Planning Board Members as weli. .I ha~,~e been-advised by the
V5.llage Code Enforremenr. nfficiels, as w_il es t=a Plsn.^,in3 3aard
Chairman ano village E~gir.ear that Iaomedix was very f~axnc~cming
srd responsive 'gin providing infarmataa,~ r_gardi.ng t.hetr operation
proposed fcr Chester, as wail as their other a'acilities within the
1J~?ited 9tai:e9 ansi Canacs. luring the cartstruotion pheac or t;ss
project, Isomadix was very coopereci.e and showed a true effort
toward making their facility a first o=ass facili~y, safe both to
the general public, as well es their =aeili~y operators.
The project was nut or+.ly subject to the review of the Village Planning
Board, it was also subject to the review and approval of the New York
$tata Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State
Department of Labor, and Nueleer Regulatory Commission. The Planning
Boerd,eveiled themselves of the review expertise of these other
agencies, although the Planning Board acted as the Lead Agency for
the environmental review.
w
VILLAGE OF CiIESTER
t7 aL?na srRRSr
CHESTER. NEII~ YORK 10918
Stevan K. Yamashiro, Mayor -2- April 14, 1997
In response to the five (5) questions in your letter, I will provide
general responses below and have requested, in addition, that our
Village Engineer provide some specifics regarding these issues in
his letter to you. Please note the following;.
a. The initial public reaction to the proposed conatructich of
the Irradiation Sterilization Plant was one of great concern
for nogative effects on the public health and the environment.
The Planning Board requested that Isomedix make a complete
presentation es to the process, and the method in which they
did so was most informative and, in many .cases, relieved the
public of their concerns- The Planning Board also retained
the services of a private expert to review the proposed
project, the NRC records on other Isomedix Facilities, end
to provide en independent explanation of the process to the
public. I believe this independent analysis was of great
help toward assuring the public of the safety of the proposed
plant.
b. The project was, in fact, built over the Black Meadow Aquifer
within the Village. The potential impacts of the plant con-
struction on the Aquifer were evaluated as part of the envi-
ronmental review.
c. Since the approval of the project during late 1991, there has
been no further concerns raised, nor any instances of problems
at the facility which have resulted in further public concern.
d. Based on the information aresented ro the Village and the
experience with Isomedix over the past five (5) years, wa
have ~o reservation;, w:th regard to the plant being 7.acated
in Chester.
e. As I indicated above, it has been our impression Chet Isomedix
appears to be a responsible company within their r"iald, who
make safety their primary co r.cern. It appears that t;,ay :+isB).y
use their previous experience at their other faci:.ities to ina'r.e
their facility in Chaster "State-of-the-Art", marinliainy their
safety provisions. Based on the input from the Vlia~e.£ode
Enforcement and snginaering representatives, it is my under-
standing that Isomedix "lived up" to both the promises and
assurances made at the Planning Board, as well as the expectations
of these representatives during construction and startup of
the facility,
VILLAGE OF CHBS~"ER
47 MAIN ST1tEET
CP3FSTER. NEB YOYIG 1c~:8
Steven K. Uamashiro, Mayor -3- April 14, 1997
As I noted above, 2 have also requested that the Uillaga Engineer
'correspond with you tc provide-same additional details regarding the
above matters. I am hopeful that this letter and the additional
letter"Prom the engineer will be of benefit to you in your review of
'the proposed Isomediz Facility, and we wish you the best of luck
-towarb this goal.
Very truly yours,
VILLAGE OF CHESTER
'
J ep at iato, Meyor
cc: Mark J. Edsall, P.E. Village Consulting Enainear
George Dietz, Senior Vice President, Isomedix Corporation
fj~°`~~y TOWN OF NOR1 H~C?ROUGH
Town Office
~~1~
1* 63 Main Street
r~'.\ ,roi~ Northborough, Massachusetts
'~'a~., ~ ~ 01532-1994
~~rED
J[~2
April 1~, 1997
George Dietz, Senior Vice President
[SOh~DiX Corporate Offices
I 1 Apollo Drive
Whippany, New Jersey 07981
Deaz Mr. Dietz:
In response to your letter of 1 April, I wish to offer the following comments with respect to the relationship
presemly existhrg between the Tocvn of Northborough and Isomedix Corporation. As the Town has Tong
endeavored to promote a climate which is '`Open for Business." the Boazd of Selectrnen has placed critical
emphasis on m.irttaining a mutuall7-benevolent and beneficial atmosphere beriveeu "Town Hall" and its
corporate citizens. The Town recognizes that Isomedix has existed as an industrial resident providing the
Town lvith considerable m~enue for several yeazs.
The mttnicipal agency vvith the most intricate knowledge of Northborough's Isomedix operation is the Fire
Department R'tren asked for his input Fire Chief Duggan reported that the Isomedix Cobalt-(O Industrial
Irradiator ha.; noz been problematic. in fact. he noted that the Isomedix lmrout and parsotmel have afforded
his denanment valuable treini2g eppommices.
Rre Deoarments of P+.rblic Worlvs arrd Eneirteering/Conservation have conurbrtred rl!nt rlrYCre4'+Ytbl$ !....h
~AIIICd:x have been ~(:fV ~IQfe5S10n:r1, and that ;SOm:d1:C has long SeI~:Cd 15 a CLdeL nCi~llOp*, IfSpCC:fiL Of
the rles and ;;uEarors promrugated b}-the Town through its citizen boards and comrnissrons.
f;re ;b:~ a lc~ks fbnvard to cent•:nuing to maintain a constructive working relationsirip •~vitlr Isanedix.
Mosi Sincerefv.
r
William E. Henries
Chair, Nordrborongh Boazd of Selectmen
cc: Northborough Boazd of Selecnen
Barry Brenner, Town Administrator
Brian Duggan, Fire Chief
v.
TOWNSHIP OF ~"IANOVER
P.O. BOX ?SO
1000 ROUTE 10
WHIPPANY, N.j. 07981
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE Telephone
April 15, 1997 ?oi-~z8-za5s
~~lr. George Dietz
Senior Vice President
Isomedix
I I Apollo Drive
Whippany, New Jersey 07981
RE: Letter in Supoott of Isomedix's Standing Within the Haziover Townshin Community
Dear Mr. Dieu:
I have received your letter dated April 1, 1997, regarding your request that the
Township provide comments from Township Officials regarding Isomedix's operations.
On behalf of the Township Committee, the governing body of the Township of Hanover,
it is my pleasure to advise you that we consider lsomedix to be a highly respected member
of our industrial community. This opinion is based on Isomedix's outstanding record of
safety, and the cooperation Isomedix has always extended to the Township in complying
with municipal ordinances.
T. h~ ale and prae'essional manner in whic Iscmedix has c~inducted their
operations within the Tb~~sltip has made them a welcome presence. We have no concerns
or resen•a7ons that Isomedix poses any threat to the environment. suarounding industrial
operat:owts, or +o our tesiden*s. Or: the contrary, •we view isumedix as a good neighbor
and a tuy,ly valueu member of our corrzmunat~,~.
Vey tru ours,
FOR Tt~yVNSHIP C01NI~IITTEE
. . lannaccone, Mayor
and Director of Administration and Engineering
SCUrwd
c: Township Committee -Each
Vince Donofrio, President, Board of Health
Joseph A. Giorgio, RMC, Business Administrator/Township Clerk
George Van Orden, PhD., Health Officer/Environmental Specialist
o.
- ~
' CITY OF SPARTANHURG
SOUTH C4ROLINA
~.rrsc.'nu~.r April 1E, 19S7
NAY6A
TO WHOIrt IT MAY CONCERN:
Isomedix has been a thriving business within our community for a
number of years and it is with great pleasure that 1 ran give yoU a
very high recommendation for having this particular business within
our area. In all the time we have had Isomedix in Spartanburg, there
has never been any type of problem with their environmental conditions
and we have never heard anything but the very best info: motion
regarding their reputation as an excellent neighbor and a professional
business to all other members of the community.
Their safety record is outstanding with al[ of the governmental agencies
who monitor all businesses without our State, and never once has any
company, government official or agency had any reason to be concerned
about Isomedix's presence as an industrial neighbor.
This letter is our firm recommendation far Isomedix to any other area
chat may be considering their services because of the excellent and
professional manner in which ii is operated. They have been very
civic minded and have exhibited a superior agenda of concern while
operating their machinery and have retained a very outstanding
disposal safety record.
tf t can be of ary ~ather assistance to you, please :alt me at i8o4i
545-20.3, ar write. f would be very glad to ossssi you in any .ray
t ..,.ire.
~incer.ly,
.~?~y
3ames E. Tallev
Mayor
,r-....w
N
`THE CORPORA7IOTj OF 7HE ?OWAj OF WHlT87
in the Regional Municipality of Durham
"171F..
Z3. EDWARDS %''~~'~,O MUNICIPAL BUILDING
:+tnYOx ~f 575 Roseland Road Fast
wEilr'SY: (905) 6GL-5103 = '
roteoNro: (9os)ss~.xszt ` ~-,°n Whitby, Ontario. Canada
rax: c9osi6sa.s9;a p ~
; ar L1N 2MB
/CF OF THE ~P April 16th, 1997.
Greetings:
As Mayor of the Town of Whitby, Ontario, Canada, I am pleased to provide the
following information on Isomedix, a member of this cammurtiry's industrial citizenry.
We are a community of about 72,000 population situated on the north shore of
Lake Ontario, about 32 miles east of the City of Toronto. We average an annual growth rate
of about 3 1/2 over the past 5 years. Our community is very concerned about the environment
and we have a number of environmental groups in this area who comment on growth matters.
The Isomedix Corporation has been located in Whitby since 1982. They are
housed in a building of 25,000 square feet and in 1990, added an additional 10,000 squaw feet
to the structure.
The company has a payroll of about 25 people. They produce sterilized medical
devices. Isomedix has a history of good corp9rafe citizenship and we have had no complaints
registered since the company rela~tet to ~kaithy in 1482.
As a producer of medical components, the quality of the product is mo:.itared by
th= Minis~y di 'E.conc-ssic Development and there is nu remrd of wmplaints enviror.mentaliy
or otherwise in that regard.
Isomedix goes quietly about its business, competing in a very competitive industry.
and providing employment to our citizens. We aze very happy to have them as part of our
industtia] +.ommurity.
Yours very truly,
Tom Edwards,
MAXOR
TJFJsam