On December 19, 2018, the City
of Salem (City) notified the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection of elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and chromium in soils
at the Site. The elevated levels were
identified by a licensed site professional hired by the city to sample Mansell
Field prior to the initiation of improvement projects.
On June 6, 2022, EPA received a request
for assistance from MassDEP for the assessment and remediation of contaminated
soils at the Site. On July 5, 2022, EPA
and its Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team contractor conducted a
Preliminary Assessment/Site Investigation (PA/SI). Soil samples were
collected and analyzed for metals by USEPA Laboratory Services and Applied
Sciences Division. The PA/SI revealed that arsenic is the main
contaminant of concern with other collocated contaminants such as but not
limited to chromium and lead.
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 was recommended in
the Site Investigation Closure Memorandum dated August 24, 2022.
The
Site comprises the lower elevation portion of the 23.3-acre Gallows Hill
Park, and is approximately 1.5-acres. Due to the contaminated soil,
the Site is currently fenced and closed to the public. Prior to the fence
installation, the grassy area was used for soccer practice and other activities. The Site is located a densely populated
residential neighborhood. Within one mile of the Site the population is
approximately 25,500 residents, with seven schools, two nursing homes, and 11
childcare centers.
