Newburgh: Consolidated Iron and Metal

During the summer 2002, a Riverkeeper watchdog found the Consolidated Iron & Metal Superfund site in Newburgh posed health risks to the people of Newburgh. Fences had fallen down; people were stealing scrap metal; no warning signage was posted; and locals were using the site for partying and mischief. Thousands of tires were scattered around the site, and the Orange County Health Department was aware of possible mosquito breeding in the wells of the tires, threatening West Nile contamination. Consolidated is in a predominantly black and Hispanic neighborhood, thus posing the greatest risk to local minority communities – bringing to bear environmental justice implications.

After Riverkeeper informed the EPA and the press of these concerns, EPA and Orange County reacted swiftly, erecting a new fence and posting signs. EPA also contracted with the county to have much of the scrap metal removed and many of the tires removed.