The Site was utilized for the manufacture of
paper products from the mid-1800s until approximately 2004, after which it was
occupied by an auto salvage business. There are currently no active business
operations at the Site, and the majority of the buildings is in a state of
disrepair.
In April 2018, Ransom Consulting, Inc. (Ransom) completed a Phase I Environmental
Site Assessment (ESA) on behalf of the Southwest Regional Planning Commission
(SWRPC). During a Site Reconnaissance, Ransom
observed multiple containers of suspected oil and/or hazardous materials (OHM)
within the Site buildings. Ransom documented approximately 73 drums, including 53
55-gallon drums, 11 30-gallon drums, and nine 20-gallon drums. In addition,
Ransom observed seven 300-gallon totes within the
Site buildings. In December 2019, Ransom completed a Phase II ESA. Sampling
conducted as part of the Phase II investigation confirmed the presence of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals (arsenic and antimony) in exceedance of
NH soil remediation standards.
In February
2020, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) requested
EPA’s assistance in evaluating whether current site conditions, including the
potential release of hazardous substances stored in 55-gallon drums and 300-gallon
totes, located in unsecured buildings, would warrant a time-critical removal
action. On August 17-18, 2020, EPA
and its Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) contractor, Weston
Solutions, Inc. (Weston), mobilized to the Site to conduct sampling activities
as part of a Preliminary Assessment/Site Investigation (PA/SI).
Sampling results identified the presence of
VOCs (including toluene,
xylenes, acetone, ethylbenzene), SVOCs (including various polyaromatic hydrocarbons
[PAHs]), acids, and caustics. The
PA/SI confirmed the presence of Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
hazardous substances that poses a direct contact threat, as well as a potential
for release or further release into the environment. Based upon the PA/SI
sampling results, a time-critical removal action was recommended in the Site
Investigation Closure Memorandum dated January 12, 2021.
