Untreated industrial waste, sewage, and chemical runoff severely contaminated this NYS lake, causing it to become one of the most polluted in the United States.
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency celebrated the successful re-use of the former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday.
Congressman Anthony Brindisi says initial air quality checks around the former Charlestown Mall complex have found no hazardous contaminants, no chemicals and no harmful gases in the air and that there is currently no risk to public health.
The two representatives also said while it is fortunate that no lives were lost, they hope that doesn't prevent the EPA from prioritizing the fire in regards to the potentially hazardous substances that may still be emitted from the smoldering site.
As miners in hard hats and coal-country lawmakers applauded, Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler signed a measure that scraps one of President Barack Obama's key initiatives to rein in fossil fuel emissions.