MEDIA RELEASE: Tioga County Board of Health Deems Foundry Street Property, Owego an Imminent Threat to the Public’s Health

Last Updated: 9/24/2024

The Tioga County Board of Health and the Public Health Director have deemed the property located at Foundry Street in the Village of Owego, an Imminent Threat to Public Health. Through a complaint investigation, Tioga County Public Health determined numerous public health hazards existed at the property including food and household garbage, raw sewage/human waste, toxic materials, and most concerning soil containing Cadmium and Lead.

The Brownfield site also known as Tioga Casting Facility, is a seven-acre parcel with one acre fenced in, which is currently monitored by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as a level four New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site. The remaining six acres, where the public health hazards and soil contamination were found, were also noted to have individuals living there.

Health risks of Cadmium and Lead on the human body can result in acute exposure symptoms such as respiratory distress, flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal pain, headaches, and fatigue. Long-term exposure could lead to chronic illness such as cognitive impairment, anemia, kidney damage, hypertension, reproductive toxicity, bone demineralization, lung cancer and/or prostate cancer.

Due to the potential risks for individuals associated with exposure to these heavy metals, the Tioga County Board of Health and Public Health Director, feel it necessary to issue an order declaring the property unfit for human habitation.  According to the DEC’s re-evaluation of the site in July, the levels of contamination mean the property should stay zoned for industrial/commercial use only; and is not fit for residential or living use. However, the surrounding community can rest assured that there is no concern or health risks for those residing outside of the seven-acre parcel.

“We recognize this is a sensitive issue with many facets. However, first and foremost, it is the mission of Tioga County Public Health to protect the health and safety of the community and all those living here,” said Heather Vroman, Tioga County Public Health Director.

“Once it was brought to our department’s attention that people were living in temporary structures on the site may be exposed to hazardous pollutants we acted immediately. We have been working with County Officials and community partners to ensure resources are provided to individuals as they relocate”, said Vroman. Commissioner Shawn Yetter confirms that assistance for temporary housing is available for anyone from the Castings property. Further, Vroman said, this continues to be a collaborative effort with multiple local and State agencies and community partners.

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