Niagara, NY (WBEN) Residents in one Town of Niagara neighborhood want answers after the state informed them there may be high levels of radiation in their neighborhood.
Johnson says residents started receiving letters from the EPA and DEC regarding high levels of activity found on their residential properties according to their latest aerial roadway, environmental radioactive studies.
Johson says it is rumored that there were 100 homes affected back in 2016 and only 4 of them were remedied and the other 96 never even notified. She adds there was a previous aerial study done back in the 1980s as well
"I have lived here since 1990, raised a family And enjoyed our home and yard as our safe place, just like all my other neighbors. We were horrified to find out we are sitting on top of high levels of radioactivity all this time! Now we all fear for our families’ health and lives," says Johnson.
She says a letter went out to New York Governor Kathy Hochul‘s office.
Johnson says she has another concern. "The EPA And DEC have not returned to further their investigation, since letting us know in March, because several of us neighbors, including myself, refuse to sign a clever waiver within their Property Access Form, because it calls for waiving any and all claims both now and in the future to the EPA, NYSDEC, the state of New York, and any and all of their representatives," adds Johnson. She adds neighbors are uncomfortable in signing with that language.
She says each day as time goes on, she fears her families are unintentionally exposing themselves even more.. "We don’t understand how this could’ve happened. The EPA and DEC have both mentioned they were checking to see if any remnants of the Manhattan Project were buried on our yards. We had a private party come out and check since the DEC is refusing to come back to my property and investigate, as well as refusing to show me any data they had found on my own property that I pay taxes on, that they said they found Extremely high levels of radiation on. The findings are beyond terrifying!"
She says the readings from her own yard in the back are right on top of the high highest reading. "We are told that the reading is 120 times the amount allowed by the state of New York EPA for safe levels, All in my backyard, and others," says Johnson.
Neighbors seek answers from NYS
Neighbors seek answers from NYS
