Schenectady County, N.Y. — Schenectady County officials today welcomed news that work has begun on the pre-design stage of the environmental clean-up of the former Navy Depot in Glenville. County leaders have been asking the federal government for several years to help resolve environmental issues at the former Navy Depot.

“The start of engineering work is very positive. We thank the General Services Administration for getting this important clean-up project underway in Glenville,” said Marty Finn, Chair of the Legislature’s Economic Development Committee and Legislator representing Glenville. “We must also thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Tonko for continuing to push for this clean-up work to move forward. This project is not only critical to safeguarding our water supply, but will boost our economic development efforts in the Glenville Business and Technology Park and Schenectady County.”

The federal government has signed an agreement with New York State DEC to resolve environmental issues at the former Navy Depot. The record of decision agreed to by the federal government with New York State calls for a permeable reactive barrier to be installed at the site. The barrier will be installed below the surface of the former Depot. This type of barrier has proven to be very effective in breaking down the chemicals that cause environmental issues and in stopping the spread of contamination.

County leaders have been concerned about chemicals from the former Depot moving toward the Mohawk River or the Great Flats Aquifer, the main source of drinking water for Schenectady County.

The work will take place between now and July and involves soil borings and pre-design investigation work to identify the best location for the below ground barrier to be installed.

Most of the soil borings and other investigative work will be done in the 300 block of the former Depot where large National Grid overhead wires are located. The site is located off Route 5 in Glenville.