EPA: There is a health danger in Attica

ATTICA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Though the New York State DEC found no health risk from the giant pile of recyclable materials in Attica, the Environmental Protection Agency has found different results.

The EPA released results Friday from tests they conducted in the village. The agency tested for 68 individual toxic materials in ten sample locations. Though 31 of the toxic materials were detected, the agency says most were well below health-based values.

However, the EPA says elevated levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and styrene are found at the top of the pile, which has fires burning deep inside it. One test showed these toxic materials may possibly be migrating off-site and into the community.

The EPA will be working this weekend to extinguish the fires in the pile, which they say are causing the toxic materials to be released. Residents are warned this could make the smell worse in the village and are being cautioned to remain indoors and keep their windows closed.