Freeport Completes Removal Of Contaminated Soils From Power Plant 2 Site

(Freeport, New York, November 25, 2003) - Freeport Electric announced today that the last load of contaminated soils under the Power Plant 2 PCB remediation plan was removed Friday, November 21. All regulated PCB contaminated soils were removed from the area involved in the construction of the new Power Plant 2 (PP2) Electric Generation Project. "Endpoint" sampling confirmed that the remediation effort met NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) objectives. These endpoint sampling results will be compiled into a Closure Report for NYSDEC review.

In July during pre-construction borings and preparation of the construction Soil Management Plan, the Electric Department identified limited areas of PCB concentrations which required more extensive soil removal and disposal than originally planned by the Utility and NYSDEC. The Utility and its consultants P.W. Grosser Consulting Engineers and Hydrogeologists, P.C., moved quickly to coordinate with NYSDEC in developing a voluntary remediation plan.

P.W. Grosser professionals supervised all remediation activities on site. Their efforts included air monitoring during all soils excavation. These data confirmed that there were no PCB concentrations in the air during the remediation project. "The engineering controls developed by the Electric Department and our consultants, and reviewed by NYSDEC were highly effective in minimizing exposure in the community to PCB concentrations," said Hubert Bianco, Superintendent of Electric Utilities.

"With completion of the soils removal for the new electric turbine facilities, we will continue to keep P.W. Grosser and NYSDEC involved in onsite activities," added Mr. Bianco. "There is the possibility that specific construction activities may need to disturb soils below the grade of the remediation project, such as installation of footings, or installation of ductwork or piping," he explained.

"In addition, an area in the northeast portion of the site is being used for staging major equipment and materials. None of the soils will be disturbed during the construction project," he continued. "Once the equipment and materials are removed from that staging area, P.W. Grosser will confirm whether additional site remediation is required in that area."

"We are pleased that the remediation project proceeded smoothly and expeditiously," reflected Mr. Bianco. "It was paramount to the Village and Freeport Electric to protect the safety and welfare of the community." All of our contractors, Blue Water Environmental and GFS LLC should be commended for their ability to remove the contaminated soil while progressing with the construction of the new generation unit.