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Smoke still coming from Tonawanda Coke?

Despite being shut down for three weeks now, Tonawanda Coke continues to concern residents living around the plant. Neighbors are still seeing smoke coming out of one of the smoke stacks and they asked 2 on your Side to look into it.

TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y.- After residents came to 2 On Your Side saying they still see smoke coming out of Tonawanda Coke's stacks, we looked into it. And there is indeed still something issuing from of those stacks, but we're told it's not the concerning emissions that we were seeing when the plant was still open.

A spokesperson from the Environmental Protection Agency tells 2 On Your Side it's steam, and that it's coming from one of the boilers at the plant. We're told that is just one of the processes and utilities that need to stay operational so that cleanup efforts can continue.

Sampling, excavation, and removal of contaminated soil and liquids at the facility are expected to take many months because of the size and overall complexity of the facility.

The EPA held a conference call Wednesday morning to inform local and state leaders, as well as community groups and activists, about the status of the clean-up process. It was a scheduled call, as part of the agency's pledge to keep everyone apprised of changes.

Jackie James-Creedon with Citizen Science Community Resources was on the call. She says was reassured by what they had to say, "From what I understand, there will be in person meetings with the community. So, that's what we have to look forward to. But it is going to be a continual long process, and they expect to continue to outreach to the community and have meetings and complete transparency. It's important that people still take photos and keep an eye on things."

As part of their conference call, the EPA issued a Community Update. It lists potential risks the agency contractors have already identified: flammable or potentially explosive substances stored onsite, hazardous substances discharged onto the soil, and improperly stored acids and solvents.

In addition to excavating contaminated soil; agency contractors have been collecting sludge-like material, running systems to treat contaminated water generated from coke making operations at the facility, and they're collecting storm water.

We're told everything they have been collecting will be properly disposed of once necessary sample analysis is completed.

2 On Your Side asked the EPA spokesperson where that disposal site will be. We're told a specific location hasn't been determined yet, but it will be an EPA-approved disposal facility.

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