The Site is approximately 1.8 acres. The primary contaminants of concern are PCBs and lead in the soils. The levels detected are as high as 208,000 mg/kg for PCBs and up to 17,380 mg/kg for lead.
On July 31, 2012, the MassDEP formally requested EPA to have the Emergency Planning and Response Branch (EPRB) conduct a removal action. Based on Site conditions and analytical results gathered by the City’s technical consultant, and other historical investigatory information, a time critical removal action was recommended in a Closure Memorandum dated August 1, 2012.
In October 2012, EPA and its contractor collected 175 samples (soil/concrete/pavement) from various locations, to depths ranging from surface to nine feet deep. The samples were analyzed for PCBs, metals, and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) for metals. Analysis of the samples collected confirmed that the soils are contaminated with PCBs and, metals, with some samples failing TCLP for lead. These results confirm the finding that the Site meets the criteria identified in the National Contingency Plan for a time-critical Removal Action.
On January 1, 2013, EPA received notification from the City and the developer of their commitment to redevelop the Site for use as a hotel. This commitment was based on the scenario of multi-party (EPA, City, and developer) collaboration in the remediation of the Site.
An Action Memorandum was signed by the director on May 13, 2013.
