The ongoing radioactive pollution study in Western New York is set to expand to Grand Island, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
They are asking homeowners in that area on Sunday for permission to screen their properties for these radioactive pollutants.
Officials have already surveyed hundreds of homes in Niagara County and beyond after a group of residents uncovered harmful levels of radioactive material.
It comes after Republican candidate for governor, Bruce Blakeman, and state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt visited the town of Niagara on Saturday.
Ortt says he has introduced a bill that would change the state’s superfund law, which currently only covers hazardous waste and not radioactive material.
Meanwhile, some homeowners in the area say they feel like they are being ignored by Gov. Kathy Hochul
“She has not given us the decency of a meeting to hear us out, even after we asked her several times,” town of Niagara resident Lexi Hawk said. “We continue to be neglected, ignored, and pushed to the side.”
A spokesperson for the governor responded, saying the governor wants to focus on health, and not politics:
“The Governor understands deeply the fear and frustration residents are facing. That’s why Governor Hochul proactively ordered the assessment of these properties to protect public health and safety, directed DEC and DOH to work collaboratively with EPA and successfully pushed for additional federal resources to accelerate testing. The state will continue to do the work on the ground to test properties, support affected families and take whatever actions are necessary to get these residents the answers they deserve.”