Announcements and Key Topics
EPA released a fact sheet summarizing the upcoming cleanup action at the Site. To view the fact sheet click here.
Background
The Webster Mill Removal Site (Site) consists of asbestos-containing building debris stockpiled in the foundation of the demolished primary site building and covered with reinforced polyethylene liner and a smaller standing deteriorating structure. The contaminant of concern is Chrysotile which is the primary type of asbestos.
In August 2015, Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc., performed a demolition survey on behalf of the owner. The survey identified numerous areas throughout the now demolished building including roofing, floor tiles, pipe wrap and other materials containing asbestos and collected samples for asbestos analysis.
What Has Been Done to Cleanup the Site?
The March 2024 emergency demolition of the large primary building was conducted by Plainville Pump & Excavation on behalf of the town, with assistance from MassDEP. Following demolition, the building debris was classified as asbestos-containing waste material with an estimated volume of approximately 7,000 cubic yards.
Prior to the emergency demolition, the building was in poor condition and asbestos and other potential hazardous substances could not be abated. To the extent possible, EPA will separate other hazardous substances from the asbestos-containing material and properly dispose of them during the time-critical removal action.
On October 22, 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess and address asbestos-containing building debris located on the property belonging to Webster Mill, LLC. The condition of the vacant building deteriorated over the years with little to no annual maintenance of the structure, as evidenced by the February 2024 partial building collapse. Due to its location in a densely populated residential neighborhood, the town of North Attleborough conducted an emergency demolition of the primary building structure in March 2024.
What is the Current Site Status?
On May 29, 2025, EPA signed an Action Memorandum documenting the request and approval of the cleanup. The cleanup is scheduled for July 2025. EPA is coordinated with state and local officials and will release information about the cleanup to the public prior to starting.
