BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County officials are moving forward with a property cleanup in Richville, but environmental reviews may slow the process after a historical analysis showed fuel tanks may be at the site. 

County Attorney Steve Button told legislators during the Sept. 28 Finance Committee meeting that the process is a normal one undertaken on dozens of properties each year. 

"I think everyone is aware that each year the Treasurers' Office, along with Real Property and my office, sit down and look at properties that have delinquencies and have a possible history of contamination," Button told legislators. 

In the case of 106, 108 and 116 Main Street in Richville, a review of the properties led Button and county officials to seek a third-party review. 

Button said in some cases the county can easily make a determination if a property has a history of petroleum use or other possible contamination, however the three properties in question raised a few questions. 

Button said the county then brought in a specialist to do a historical analysis of the properties, determining there was a significant possibility the sites do have contamination. 

In response, Button brought a resolution to the board to contract with Atlantic Testing Laboratories to conduct a Phase One environmental site assessment, which will include core samples to test for contamination. 

He said ground penetrating radar may also be necessary as well. 

Button said the Phase One is necessary following the results of the historical analysis and will be conducted at the three lots in question. 

In the event that Atlantic Testing concludes ground penetrating radar is necessary, Button said he would bring an additional resolution to the board in a future meeting. 

The cost of Phase One testing is $2,850. 

According to county officials, the three properties in question are in arrears of more than $35,000 in back taxes, fees, penalties and interest after the property owner passed away several years ago. 

Button also provided an update on a property located at 18 South Main Street in the soon-to-be dissolved village of Hammond. 

Button said the property cleanup will still progress despite the dissolution of the village, saying Phase One and Two have been completed under an initial cleanup that was conducted with the Department of Environmental Conservation, however possible contamination under the actual property meant full abatement was not possible at the time. 

Button said a "different course of action" was determined to complete the abatement, which required the county to secure a party wall agreement with an adjacent property owner due to a connected stairwell. 

Buttons said he was able to secure the agreement, which outlines the rights, responsibilities and restrictions regarding the shared stairwell. 

With the agreement secured, Button said the county will now be able to move forward with demolition at 18 South Main Street once abatement is completed. 

Button said demolition should be completed sometime between October 10-20.

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