The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is overseeing the safe shut down of the Tonawanda Coke Corporation’s (TCC) plant in Tonawanda, NY, and will ensure the company is held accountable for an orderly closure of the plant. DEC will be on-site during these operations to ensure the remaining workforce and the community are protected during the shutdown process and to secure the site. 

The shutdown process started today under rigorous DEC oversight. Over the next few days, TCC will begin the process of purging and flaring coke oven gas out of its battery and piping system with a combination of nitrogen and steam and the battery ovens will also be emptied of coke.  This process will involve visible flames coming from the plant and DEC’s onsite inspectors will ensure workers and the surrounding community are protected, and coordinate with state and local emergency responders if any incidents occur.  In addition, DEC will ensure the site is fully secured to prevent any access to the plant once it is shuttered.

After the shutdown is complete, DEC and a multi-agency effort will work to stabilize the site and ensure the proper closure of tanks and disposal of any hazardous materials.  A comprehensive investigation of the site will also be immediately launched to identify any contamination at the site and develop a cleanup plan through a transparent, public process that ensures community input at every step.