47 East Amherst Street | Buffalo, New York
Project Overview
A Brownfield Cleanup Agreement (BCA) was executed with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for 47 East Amherst Street, enabling the site to enter New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program.
BE3 completed the site’s Remedial Action Work Plan (RAWP), outlining a Track 4 Restricted Residential cleanup to support future redevelopment.
Site Conditions
Environmental investigations confirmed impacted fill and soils containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals. Investigations identified no groundwater concerns and no soil vapor intrusion concerns.
Historic uses of the property included Buffalo Cement Co. and multiple bowling alley operations, contributing to current soil impacts.
Cleanup Plan
The approved cleanup plan includes:
- Demolition of the vacant, deteriorated building
- Excavation and offsite disposal of contaminated soils
- Installation of a clean soil cover system, including two feet of clean soil in greenspace areas
- Placement of a demarcation layer and clean backfill
- Long-term controls through an Environmental Easement and Site Management Plan
Current Work Underway
Current project activities include:
- Pre-Remedial Design Investigation to refine excavation limits
- Landfill-required soil sampling (Part 375 and TCLP)
- Utility clearances
- Erosion controls
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) measures
- Planning for building demolition and soil removal
Future Redevelopment
The site is planned for redevelopment as a 134-unit affordable housing community supported by NYSHCR.
The proposed development includes:
- Three-story building
- ADA units
- Elevators
- Community amenities
Project Status
The Amherst Commons Brownfield Cleanup project is advancing the remediation of a historically impacted property through New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program. With environmental investigations complete, a Remedial Action Work Plan in place, and pre-remedial activities underway, the project is progressing toward redevelopment as a 134-unit affordable housing community. Through implementation of the approved remedial strategy and long-term site management measures, the property is being prepared for future residential use while addressing historical environmental impacts.