cleanup · Erie County
Amherst Central Park / Former Westwood Country Club
Amherst
Former golf course where investigation found arsenic, cadmium, and mercury concentrated around historic greens and tees; an interim remedy supports transition to public park and golf use.
The documented story
What happened here?
The approximately 170-acre former Westwood Country Club at 772 North Forest Road is becoming Amherst Central Park. Environmental characterization identified metals in soil, especially around former greens and tee boxes, consistent with historical use of metal-based golf-course pesticides.
DEC placed the property in the potential State Superfund process and approved interim work intended to remove defined contaminated soil before expanded public use.
Chronology in context
Turning points in the public record
Former golf-course era
Maintenance of greens and tees included historical pesticide practices that left a distinct soil record.
2023–2025
Characterization work evaluated soil conditions while park planning advanced.
2026
DEC approved an interim remedy providing for excavation and off-site disposal of up to 5,000 cubic yards of affected soil.
Chemical guide
Chemicals named in this record
These links explain potential hazards and exposure pathways. A chemical named in a record does not establish that anyone was exposed or harmed.
Environmental record
Documented impacts
- Arsenic, cadmium, and mercury were identified in soil, with notable concentrations around former greens and tee boxes.
Response
Cleanup and controls
- The interim remedy calls for excavation, confirmation sampling, and off-site disposal of affected soil in defined work areas.
Then and now
The site today
The property is transitioning from a private country club to a combined public park, passive recreation area, and reduced golf course under Town and County plans.