Endicott, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The IBM legacy in Endicott also includes what is known as the plume. TCE chemical contamination linked to IBM, but also other former businesses in the village.
"We have a very aggressive plan that working under the supervision of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation," says Todd Martin with IBM Communications.
"Right now, we are ahead of target in regards to the clean up," says Martin.
Martin says while it will take time to completely remove residual amounts of contamination, IBM will not leave the job unfinished.
IBM has also installed systems to prevent chemical vapors from entering homes.
"The drinking water supply in the village of Endicott is safe, the fact that peoples homes are safe," says Martin.
"IBM cannot get away with this scott free and say they are a good corporate citizen because they've done a lot of damage here," says Rick White with Alliance @ IBM.
IBM once employed nearly 11,000 people in Endicott but as the jobs and its presence dwindled, White said it felt more like IBM was running away.
Alliance @ IBM has been working with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and local representatives to conduct a health study.
It involves looking at cancer rates and low birthrates.
"We hope that regardless of the results that we can learn more and they Endicott community can begin to heal," says White.
IBM hopes the community will focus on what it has done and is still doing to heal the wound of the plume.
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