Local firm to handle cleanup at former GM site

MASSENA — An environmental services firm in Massena will handle the next phase of cleaning up the site of the former General Motors Powertrain facility near the St. Lawrence River.

Perras Environmental Control, Inc. won the contract for the third phase of the work. The company was one of seven that bid for the project, which is scheduled to start in March and wrap up in November.

The property is owned by the RACER Trust, which was created in March 2011 by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as part of GM’s bankruptcy. The trust awarded Perras the contract.

Perras previously performed remediation work at the site for GM.

“We’re very happy to have been awarded this contract and look forward to getting started,” Perras President Jeffrey Tyo said in a news release. “Once we finish, the property will be substantially ready for redevelopment and reuse. I know that’s very important to the RACER Trust, as it is to our company and our community.

“This is a great location for business and we’re excited to be a part of preparing it for future commerce.”

The current project involves dismantling three buildings and the excavation and removal of the about 58,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil, according to RACER. Three process-water lagoons will also be drained, excavated, and filled with clean soil.

“We’re thrilled that a local company has the resources and proven expertise to execute a project of this magnitude,” RACER Trust Trustee Elliott Laws said in the release. “Job creation and revitalization are the cornerstone of our mission, and that begins with seeking qualified local contractors to provide everything from remediation services to site security. We are committed to partnering with communities and businesses to provide opportunities for local residents.”

Contact Tampone at ktampone@cnybj.com