Gov. Cuomo Asked To Look Into Salt Mine Spill

Geneva, NY - Ithaca-based Toxics Targeting is asking Governor Andrew Cuomo to intercede in a Cargill salt mine spill which took place under Cayuga Lake in February of this year.

Walter Hang, of Toxics Targeting, is accusing the salt mine operators and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation of allowing the flow of sodium ferrocyanide into Cayuga Lake. He indicated the problem may have been ongoing for several months, and maybe years, without detection.

Sodium ferrocyanide is an anti-caking agent used in road de-icing salt, but a substance with low toxicity. Hang says once coming into contact with water, however, the cyanide disassociates, becoming more toxic.

The DEC and Cargill disputed Hang’s assessment on the duration of the leak.