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Spaulding Fibre Project Complete

By Barbara O’Brien

August 26, 2010

Demolition and cleanup of one of the largest industrial sites in Erie County, Spaulding Fibre in the City of Tonawanda, is complete.

The $18.9 million project, achieved through funding from local, state and federal sources, left the site of the once-sprawling factory ready for redevelopment.

“The old, abandoned buildings have been demolished and environmental remediation substantially completed, clearing the way for this 47-acre parcel to return to productive use,” Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-Town of Tonawanda, said Wednesday.

The once-proud Wheeler Street plant, which manufactured fibre board and other fabricated materials, employed generations of workers for about 80 years, including Schimminger’s grandfather and mother.

But it also left behind PCBs, asbestos and other contaminants. Reuse of the plant’s facilities had been hoped, but it was deemed not possible. Manufacturing operations ended in 1992, and financial difficulties led to bankruptcy.

The “Spaulding Fibre Team” was formed with city, county and state representatives to plan and implement the cleanup of the property, the only large parcel in the city available for redevelopment.

“It was clear in the beginning if anything was to be done, it would require intergovernmental cooperation,” Schimminger said, adding, “It was clear the biggest need was funding for demolition.”

Funding came from many sources: the state Department of Environmental Conservation Superfund, $3 million; DEC Environmental Restoration Program, $3.6 million; Empire State Development’s Restore New York Program, $5.6 million; state legislative grants obtained by Schimminger, $90,000; federal grants secured by Sen. Charles E. Schumer and Rep. Louise Slaughter, $1.1 million; Erie County, $2.1 million; City of Tonawanda, $80,0000; and National Grid economic development grant, $300,000.

“When Spaulding Fibre ceased operations, Tonawanda was left not only with a sprawling, vacant brownfield but also a heavily contaminated one,” said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, discussing the remediation. “We have worked collaboratively with our local partners. As a result, this abandoned and environmentally unsound property will soon become a useful and productive community asset.”

Plans are to build roads and infrastructure for a light industrial park at the site.