On June 13, 2020, a massive fire destroyed the Star Pin Mill complex (the Site). EPA and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) both responded to the fire and have been involved with the Site since then. Because the fire destroyed the structural integrity of the buildings, the buildings were razed onto their footprint and the entire Site has been secured with metal fencing. EPA conducted a PASI and confirmed that the Site is contaminatdd with friable asbestos and asbestos containing material (ACM) and metals.
Based upon the sampling results and potential for further release of contaminants from the Site, the evaluation was concluded, and a time-critical removal action (RA) was recommended in the Site Investigation Closure Memorandum August 25, 2020.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
This clean-up of the Site should take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete. It will include the removal and disposal of building debris contaminated with asbestos and asbestos containing material (ACM), address the areas contaminated with chromium and/or other hazardous wastes, and collect and dispose the currently inaccessible containers with hazardous materials. During this time, EPA will also demolish the standing portions of the buildings and conduct onsite decontamination of larger debris. Finally, after the wastes are removed from the Site, EPA will conduct additional soil characterization to verify that the soils remaining are below the CTDEEP Standards for Soil Remediation.
Starting mid-October 2020, as cleanup work begins, residents should expect to see personnel and heavy equipment working on or about the Site. Normal working hours will be between 7:00AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Thursday. During the entire removal action, EPA will perform daily air monitoring and implement dust control and suppression for worker protection and public health, as needed. EPA estimates that approximately 400 trucks will be used to transport and dispose the wastes generated from the Site.
All wastes will be disposed to EPA approved facilities. Before the disposal of the wastes begin, EPA will coordinate with the City and decide on the safest traffic truck routes that will alleviate traffic increase.
