ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WBNG) — After countless reports to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation about particulate materials ending up on cars, in gardens, and in neighborhoods, action has been taken against an Endicott business.
The notice cites violations of state air pollution control regulations at National Pipe & Plastics in Endicott. The violations are in relation to particulate matter deposition and odors reported by the surrounding community.
The DEC’s Division of Air Resources inspected the facility on April 30, 2026, and observed particulate matter on the facility floor and parking lot matching descriptions and photographs submitted by the community.
On July 7, 2026, DAR staff directly observed particulate matter deposition on a DEC vehicle parked outside the facility’s property.
On July 15, 2026, DAR collected particulate matter deposition samples from the neighboring community. The samples were confirmed to be PVC material.
DAR reviewed vendor specification sheets for the facility’s particulate matter control devices and determined the devices are insufficient for the quantity of particulate matter generated by facility processes.
The violations cited include 6 NYCRR 201-1.8, which prohibits the reintroduction of collected contaminants to the air, and 6 NYCRR 212-2.4(b), which governs control of particulate emissions from existing process emission sources.
The DEC said persistent odors from the facility were documented by the surrounding community and DAR staff throughout 2025 and 2026, constituting six NYCRR violations, which prohibit emissions that unreasonably interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
DAR confirmed strong odors downwind from the facility on July 7, 2026, and during other visits.
The DEC said a follow-up consent order will be sent to the facility requiring a full engineering evaluation and design for collection and control of particulate matter emissions, installation of odor control technology, and an updated emissions inventory.
The facility must submit a report to DAR within 60 days of receiving the notice that identifies all emission points at the facility, evaluates measures taken to prevent odors and particulates from leaving the facility, and outlines future measures the facility intends to evaluate or implement.
The facility is also required to implement a twice-daily inspection program to monitor for odors and particulates, with observations made at least eight hours apart at a location downwind of the facility. Results must be logged and submitted to DAR every Friday.
An engineering evaluation by a certified professional engineer is required within 180 days of the notice. The DEC said the facility’s current controls, including Zehnder Units and carbon air filters, have been deemed insufficient, and proposed controls cannot include installation of additional units of these or similar types.
Once control technologies are installed, the facility must perform emissions testing under a protocol submitted for DAR review and approval, including testing for sulfide compounds and volatile organic compounds.
The DEC said the notice has been referred to legal counsel for formal enforcement, which will include a compliance schedule and financial penalty prescribed under a consent order.
These violations carry a civil penalty of up to $18,000, plus an additional penalty of up to $15,000 for each day the violation continues.
Under another DEC code, willful violations can result in criminal misdemeanor charges, with fines up to $18,000 per violation or imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
The DEC said copies of the notice were sent to the Town of Union under the municipal notification requirements of ECL 3-0311.
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