Old Red Spring re-opens upon completion of remediation project
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced Old Red Spring re-opened for public use.
The spring was closed during a remediation project completed by contractors hired by National Grid. DPW conducted work related to the re-installation of the fountain itself, painting the pavilion, and utilizing the opportunity to improve internal plumbing on the spring and to install new copper spouts.
On Friday, Scirocco praised the craftsmanship and the project outcome.
“Mineral springs are an important piece of our character and history as a community and it’s great to be able to re-open this spring following the remediation work by National Grid.
“The DPW staff did an outstanding job putting the finishing touches on updating this spring and making certain it meets the standards of Saratoga Springs as a destination community,” Scirocco stated.
According to published reports, the Old Red Spring was discovered around 1784 by Samuel North; the first bathhouse was constructed at the spring. The spring was named for the rusty deposits built up the water content. A chalybeate spring with high iron content, the spring was sought for curing blood and skin diseases.
Description of the Remediation Work
In August of 2019, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (NMPC), currently doing business as “National Grid,” completed remediation work at Operable Unit 2 of the NMPC Superfund site on Excelsior Avenue.
The work, which got underway in the fall of 2018 included removal, stabilization, solidification, and containment of soil contamination from the historical production of gas at the NMPC property for gas street lights.
The project was overseen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the New York State Department of Public Health as well as numerous engineering and construction firms.
It also included cooperation from nearby business owners and the DPW, which operates underground utilities as well as the Old Red Spring Pavilion located within or adjacent to the project area.
The scope and complexity of the project required a cooperative, full-team effort in order to achieve its goals and completion deadline. The project site has since been meticulously restored and the general public is now welcomed back to enjoy the mineral water provided by the Old Red Spring.