New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that Momentive Performance Materials, Inc., (MPM) in Saratoga County, will fund $1 million in Environmental Benefit Projects (EBPs) in the towns of Waterford and Halfmoon. The projects are part of the $2.3 million enforcement action DEC announced in May 2021, which resulted from violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, air, water, and hazardous waste laws, and conditions of the facility's permit.

Commissioner Seggos said, “Violations of New York State’s environmental laws and regulations are serious offenses that carry consequences. DEC takes seriously our responsibility to protect public health and the environment and holds polluters accountable for breaking these laws. The $1 million in environmental benefit projects announced today victory for the Waterford and Halfmoon communities and we look forward to continuing to partner with these communities to implement these projects.”

Under the Order on Consent executed between DEC and MPM to resolve environmental violations, the company is required to fund up to $1 million in local Environmental Benefit Projects in the towns of Waterford and Halfmoon. MPM submitted its proposed plans for projects identified by the communities to DEC in August. DEC determined the proposed plans for the EBPs satisfy conditions of the legal settlement.

An EBP is a project that the responsible party agrees to undertake as part of the settlement of an enforcement matter. Generally, an EBP must improve, restore, protect, or reduce risks to public health or the environment beyond that achieved by full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. DEC will work with Waterford and Halfmoon on planning and implementation of the EBPs to ensure timely compliance with all conditions of the Order. The projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

The EBPs and estimated costs are:

Town of Waterford

Water Treatment Plant Sludge Tanker Replacement - $150,000

Hurst Harbor Visitors Center Repairs - $165,000

Waterford Town Hall Roof Repairs – $125,000

Town Playground Equipment Upgrades - $40,000

Town Swimming Pool Repairs - $80,000

Town Highway Garage Roof Repairs - $125,000

Expansion and Upgrades at Waterford Highway Garage Salt Shed - $100,000

Town Wastewater Pump Station Repairs - $100,000

Trail and Landfill Maintenance Equipment - $40,000

Town of Halfmoon

Assistance with Construction of Outdoor Pavilion $75,000

Town of Waterford Supervisor Jack Lawler said, “I appreciate DEC’s efforts in this matter. The settlement will fund infrastructure repairs and the purchase of new equipment for the benefit of Waterford’s taxpayers. I also expect that this settlement will mark a new commitment from Momentive to operate in an environmentally responsible manner for the safety and well-being of the residents of Waterford.”

Town of Halfmoon Supervisor Kevin Tollisen said, “I wish to thank NYSDEC and Momentive for their long-term commitment and investment in our community. The funds that are earmarked to the Town of Halfmoon will benefit our community greatly.”