DEC: Natural Bacteria Behind Griffon Park's Orange Sheen

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has concluded its investigation into the rusty discoloration observed at the Griffon Park public boat launch in Niagara Falls. Recent test results, consistent with probes dating back to 2003, indicate the orange sheen is caused by naturally occurring iron oxidizing bacteria. This finding means there is no identified connection to Love Canal or the 102nd Street Landfill.

The DEC's summary report, released this week, suggests that samples taken from the site do not pose a significant concern requiring further action for human health or the environment. Although the seeps are described as unsightly, they are attributed to natural processes rather than chemical contamination. Environmental attorney Christen Civiletto has questioned the DEC's testing methods, particularly the use of commercial soil standards for sludge evaluation.

Despite the DEC's conclusions, Civiletto pointed to the presence of benzene hexachloride, a synthetic chemical, as a potential reason for public concern, linking it to prior municipal dumping. The 102nd Street landfill, located upstream, reportedly deposited 159,000 tons of waste containing contaminants such as mercury and PCBs. The DEC's analysis of seep material indicated minor exceedances for barium and cadmium, which were characterized as not requiring further action.

Groundwater samples also showed levels of aluminum, iron, lead, manganese, sodium, and alpha-benzene hexachloride above standard levels. However, the DEC noted these are commonly found in regional groundwater and are not typically indicators of hazardous waste. The agency emphasized that these standards are conservative, as the groundwater is not used for drinking water and any potential impact on the Little Niagara River is unlikely due to flow rate differences.