Exxon Mobil Corporation has agreed to an Order on Consent with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regarding the investigation and cleanup of contamination at the former Vacuum Oil Refinery in Rochester, Monroe County. The 33-acre site is located along the Genesee River corridor and has been identified as a key area for redevelopment efforts in the city.
Under the agreement, Exxon Mobil will reimburse New York State $250,000 for previous costs associated with investigating and cleaning up various parcels within the historical footprint of the facility. The company is also required to investigate contamination in areas not already being addressed under other programs.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton commented, “Securing an Order on Consent with Exxon Mobil for the former Vacuum Oil facility represents an important milestone in achieving a comprehensive cleanup of this long-contaminated site in Rochester. DEC will exercise close oversight to ensure the protection of public health and the environment in the Rochester community. We are excited for the next chapter for Vacuum Oil and its connection to the larger work underway by DEC, the city, and our many public and private partners to restore and redevelop this segment of the Genesee River.”
The DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation will oversee these efforts through New York’s State Superfund program. This includes reviewing and approving cleanup plans developed as part of this new investigation.
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans stated, “We finally have the last piece of the puzzle for the former Vacuum Oil site with this Order on Consent. I am grateful for the strong partnership that we have with Exxon Mobil and the DEC in our shared commitment to ensure the Plymouth-Exchange neighborhood is whole again, return prime riverfront real estate to city residents, and restore a healthy connection to the river and nature.”
The history of contamination at this location dates back more than a century. The original Vacuum Oil Company operated from around 1866 until its closure in 1935 as both a refinery and storage facility for petroleum products such as crude oil, kerosene, naphtha, lubricants, and containers. These operations led to chemical contamination—including volatile organic compounds and metals—in soil and groundwater.
While most above-ground structures have been removed over time, remnants remain alongside features like canal beds, rail yards, barrel manufacturing areas, storage facilities, and underground infrastructure once used during active operations. A canal originally ran through part of this area from about 1840 until it was drained in 1877; it then served as a railbed until 1971.
The planned investigation and subsequent cleanup are expected to support ongoing redevelopment projects along Rochester’s Genesee River corridor—specifically enabling construction of a new riverwalk that will provide greater access to restored waterfront spaces.
