Site Last Updated: October 21, 2024
This site serves as a source of news and information for the residents of Rouses Point, New York and the surrounding region regarding the status of the former Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (Wyeth) manufacturing site located at the intersection of Maple Street and Academy Street in Rouses Point.
Background
In 1934, Canadian-based Ayerst, McKenna and Harrison (Ayerst) first established pharmaceutical manufacturing in Rouses Point, New York. In 1943, American Home Products merged with Ayerst, and later combined its divisions to form Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories. The company later became known as Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. In 2009, Pfizer acquired Wyeth and continued manufacturing pharmaceutical tablets and capsules at the Rouses Point facility until 2017. The property was sold to ERS Rouses Point LLC in 2018. ERS is moving forward with activities in support of their redevelopment plans.
Under the sale agreement, Pfizer and its subsidiary Wyeth retained responsibility for certain corrective measures as required under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program overseen by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
Corrective Measures
Since 2006, extensive environmental site investigations and several interim corrective measures have been performed at the site. A Draft Corrective Measures Study has been submitted to NYSDEC which proposes final corrective measure alternatives. NYSDEC, in consultation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), is evaluating the study and will prepare a Statement of Basis explaining the proposed final corrective measures. The Statement of Basis is expected to be released for public comment in late 2024.
The proposed Corrective Measures on the site will not disrupt redevelopment plans and will help to facilitate future use of the property. Wyeth will continue to coordinate its activities with the current property owner.
Guiding Principles
Site investigations and corrective measures under the RCRA Corrective Action Program are being performed under these guiding principles:
- Corrective measures will be protective of human health and the environment;
- Work will be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
- Safety is paramount; and,
- Community concerns and stakeholder input will be respected.