EPA: Tonawanda Coke left flammable and hazardous materials after closing

A month after closing down, the Environmental Protection Agency is providing more details about what was left behind at the Tonawanda Coke facility. 

In a community update the EPA says the company left “flammable or potentially explosive substances stored onsite, hazardous substances discharged onto the soil, and improperly stored acids and solvents.” 

Tonawanda Coke closed permanently on October 14th. 

The EPA says they are continuing to collect samples from the facility. In the community update, the EPA says they will be at the site for many months. 

Earlier this week, 7 Eyewitness News learned a firm out of state is in talks with the bankruptcy court about acquiring the Tonawanda Coke site. 

Tonawanda Town Supervisor Joseph Emminger says the potential buyer would assume 100% of the liability for any environmental cleaning.

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