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Environmental Partner Provides Insights on Radioactive Surveying in Two Western New York Counties

Thomas M. Tuori

  585.231.1449

  ttuori@hselaw.com

HSE Environmental Partner Thomas M. Tuori is the leading attorney addressing radioactive waste contamination in Western New York. As the EPA and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation investigate potential radioactive slag and radiological contamination in Erie and Niagara Counties, Tom continues to provide strategic, practical, and legal insight to media outlets regarding this serious area-wide problem and related topics, including including liability concerns, implications for owners of impacted properties, and the risks associated with radioactive contamination. 

Media Coverage and Commentary by Thomas Tuori

The Niagara Region’s Radioactive Waste Problem: Why Identifying the Generator Matters
HSE LEGALcurrents, August 7, 2026
For nearly 15 years, Tom has been at the forefront of the Niagara region’s radioactive waste contamination issues, combining extensive litigation experience with deep legal, historical, and technical knowledge to address one of Western New York’s most complex environmental challenges. As state and federal agencies continue investigating more than 1,200 potentially impacted properties, Tom emphasizes that the success of many future legal claims will depend on identifying the specific generator responsible for the radioactive waste at each property. To address this critical hurdle, HSE has developed a sophisticated radioactive waste “fingerprinting” process that helps trace contamination to its source, providing a foundation for viable legal claims. Tom’s key recommendation is that property owners act promptly upon learning of potential contamination, as early identification of responsible parties is essential for preserving legal rights and overcoming statute of limitations challenges.
‘Fingerprinting’ will be key for identifying cause of radioactive hotspots in Niagara County
WGRZ Channel 2, August 5, 2026
In WGRZ’s coverage of the ongoing radioactive waste investigations in Niagara County, Tom emphasizes that identifying the source of contamination through a process known as “fingerprinting” will be critical to determining responsibility and supporting any future legal action. Drawing on his background as both an environmental attorney and former environmental engineer, Tom explains that fingerprinting combines historical research into industrial operations and waste streams with scientific analysis of contaminated soil to match radioactive material to its likely generator. He notes that this forensic approach is essential not only for regulators seeking cost recovery, but also for property owners pursuing legal claims, as establishing who generated the waste will be the key factor in holding responsible parties accountable. Tom further indicates that ongoing fingerprinting efforts are already producing meaningful results and may ultimately provide clear evidence linking contamination to specific historical waste generators.
Radioactive Waste May Be Buried Beneath 120 Western New York Properties
The Buffalo News, July 5, 2026

In an article published by The Buffalo News examining ongoing EPA and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation efforts to identify radioactive waste in Erie and Niagara Counties, Tom discussed the importance of transparency for property owners whose homes may be affected by historic radioactive contamination. The article highlights concerns from residents who recently learned their properties may contain buried radioactive waste following aerial and vehicle-based radiological surveys.

Drawing on his experience representing property owners in radioactive waste matters, Tom emphasized the need for public disclosure of contaminated properties to protect current and future homeowners. He also addressed the significant challenges associated with remediation, noting that cleanup costs can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars per site and may require substantial public investment. Tom further stressed the importance of holding responsible parties accountable for cleanup costs while ensuring affected communities receive timely information about potential environmental and public health risks.

Radiological Surveys Next Phase Will Pinpoint High Levels on Properties in Local Counties
WGRZ Channel 2, July 23, 2025 
As state and federal agencies advance their radiological survey efforts in Erie and Niagara Counties, Tom provided insight into the significance of the next phase of investigation, which is designed to identify specific properties that may contain radioactive contamination. Tom discussed the importance of transparency, timely remediation, and ensuring that property owners receive meaningful information about potential environmental risks affecting their homes and businesses.
 
EPA Truck Searching for Radioactive Waste
The Buffalo News, July 22, 2025
In coverage of the EPA’s vehicle-based survey program, Tom offered perspective on the legal and public policy implications of identifying radioactive waste across Western New York. He emphasized the need for clear communication with affected property owners and highlighted the challenges associated with investigating, funding, and remediating properties potentially impacted by decades-old radioactive contamination.
 
Update to Radioactivity Surveying in Erie and Niagara Counties: Vehicle-Based Surveying Begins
HSE LEGALcurrents, July 8, 2025
Tom provides an update on the latest phase of radiological surveying efforts being conducted by the EPA and NYSDEC in Erie and Niagara Counties. The LEGALcurrents outlines the objectives of the vehicle-based survey program, explains the historical context of radioactive waste concerns in Western New York, and discusses potential implications for property owners and future remediation efforts.

Here’s What a Single-Engine, Low-Flying Plan Is Looking for Across Western New York
WGRZ Channel 2, June 27, 2024

As federal and state environmental agencies conducted aerial radiological surveys over Western New York, Tom helped explain the purpose of the program and the region’s long-standing history of radioactive waste contamination. Tom discussed how aerial surveys can assist in identifying potential areas of concern and support future investigation and cleanup efforts.


Environmental Agencies Look for Radioactive Materials in Erie, Niagara Counties
Spectrum News, October 9, 2023

Tom provided legal and environmental context regarding ongoing efforts by state and federal agencies to locate radioactive materials in Erie and Niagara Counties. Drawing on his extensive experience with radioactive waste matters, Tom explained the importance of identifying contaminated properties and ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable for cleanup costs.

Have You Seen a Low-Flying Plane This Month? Here’s What It’s Searching For
WGRZ Channel 2, October 3, 2023

In reporting on the launch of a large-scale aerial radiological survey across Erie and Niagara Counties, Tom discussed the historical sources of radioactive contamination in Western New York and the significance of the government’s investigation. He noted that the survey represents an important step toward identifying previously unknown contamination and addressing environmental and public health concerns throughout the region.

Contact Thomas M. Tuori

If your property has been identified for radiological surveying or you have questions about this issue or environmental contamination generally, please contact Tom Tuori at 585.231.1449 or ttuori@hselaw.com.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This publication is provided as a service to clients and friends of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP. It is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The contents are neither an exhaustive discussion nor do they purport to cover all developments in the area. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how applicable laws relate to specific situations. ©2024 Harter Secrest & Emery LLP