Former Clark and McMaster Street MGP Site

History & Location

The Clark Street Former MGP Site is located in Auburn, New York. The site consists of an upland area and a section of the Owasco Outlet adjacent to the NYSEG property, comprising a three-acre triangular-shaped area. The upland area is occupied by a NYSEG electrical substation and natural gas regulator building. MGP operations began in 1901. The site’s infrastructure included a gashouse, oil tank, and a 204,000- and 75,000-CF holder. A 491,000-CF holder was later constructed in the early 1900s. In 1943, gas holders #2 and #3 as well as a tar tank were removed and replaced by a coal storage area and tar shed. Gas operations ceased at the site in 1946. Gas holder #1 was removed in 1958 when the electrical substation was constructed. The McMaster Street MGP was first operated by the Auburn Gas Light Company in 1869 and manufactured coal gas using the coal carbonization process. Sediments and soils in and around the Owasco Outlet were contaminated with MGP-related materials, including coal tar, sheens, and odors from earlier operations. As a result, elevated levels of VOCs and PAHs were detected and documented. After several years of studies, a remedial action plan was developed for the site.

Significant Project Features

• Excavation of impacted material from contained ISSB cells (soil, brick, concrete, former MGP structures)
• Installation of 2,080 LF of insitu soil solidification barrier of varying widths utilizing Portland Type 1 Cement
• Develop a sanitary and storm sewer bypass plan to diver sewer flows around excavation limits; replace sewer lines and manholes upon backfill of work area
• Erection of 96 LF by 115 LF fabric structure with a stone and asphalt pad to house screening and stabilization operations; a carbon vapor extraction air handling system was operated during waste material processing
• Construct, operate and maintain onsite temporary 100-gpm wastewater treatment plant
• Restoration of river bottom and embankments to original grade and river contours

Project Gallery