U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $48 million settlement to clean up a Massachusetts Superfund site.
The settlement included four parties "responsible for contamination" at the Olin Chemical Superfund Site in Wilmington, Mass., according to a May 11 news release. American Biltrite, NOR-AM Agro, Olin Corporation and Stepan Company agreed to address contaminated soil, sediment and surface water on and around the former Olin property and to implement an interim cleanup plan for groundwater.
"This settlement allows EPA to move forward on the much-needed cleanup of contaminated groundwater, surface water, soil and sediment at this site," EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said in the news release. "Cleaning up Superfund sites is a top priority for EPA here in New England and is part of the agency's commitment to protecting community health and ecosystems through our cleanups nationwide. This is also a good example of EPA's cleanup enforcement program holding potentially responsible parties to account in addressing contaminated sites so taxpayers aren't stuck with the costs."
Under the proposed consent decree, the defendants will perform the cleanup at the site, the release reported. The agreement also includes payment of approximately $400,000 for EPA's past cleanup costs and oversight expenses.
The Olin Chemical Superfund Site has a history of chemical manufacturing that resulted in contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water, according to the release. The cleanup plan involves the construction and operation of groundwater treatment systems, caps and cover systems for soil contamination and remediation of wetlands. Long-term monitoring and land use controls will also be implemented.
Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, expressed satisfaction that significant funds would be allocated to address the contaminated areas and protect residents and resources, the release reported.
"MassDEP's involvement with the site spans four decades – from early identification and investigation of impacts, to directing removal of impacted soil, drums and debris," Heiple added, according to the release. "We look forward to continuing to work alongside EPA and our federal partners to ensure completion of a thorough cleanup that is protective of Massachusetts residents and resources."
