Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash joined members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Mayor of Stratford, and local community members to highlight significant progress made at the Raymark Industries, Inc. Superfund Site under funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
"This unprecedented funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allowed EPA and its partners to deliver on our promise to protect the community from legacy contamination, as well as cleanup and restore land for reuse in Stratford," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Though there's still a long road ahead of us, we're looking forward to continuing full steam ahead, restoring additional properties and bringing the Raymark cleanup to completion."
The funding for the Stratford site propelled the cleanup forward. So far, EPA and its partners have completed several activities including excavation and removal of over 100,000 cubic yards of contamination; cleanup and restoration of 28 properties including 12 active businesses; cleaning up one-third mile of Ferry Creek and planting over an acre of wetland seed; collection of more than 10,000 air samples from nine monitoring stations to confirm air safety; providing 30 to 50 jobs each workday.
Officials toured remediated properties to view progress and participated in a roundtable conversation with local community members discussing positive impacts that cleanup has had on town. A Public Health Advisory sign warning against exposure to Raymark contamination was ceremonially removed by EPA Regional Administrator Cash and partners.
"Thanks to $113 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Stratford's Raymark Superfund site is being transformed from a perilously polluted old industrial site to a healthy, economically viable property," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy added that this cleanup will restore natural habitat, bring good-paying jobs to Stratford, and give families and local businesses peace of mind for years to come.
U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro said, "This is a great day for the Town of Stratford and the many residents and business owners who have been impacted by Raymark."
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its partnership in the cleanup of Raymark waste material from various parcels in southern Stratford.
Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick expressed gratitude towards EPA for their continued advocacy for full scope remediation project. She also acknowledged Health Director Andrea Bossevain, and Health Program Associate Alivia Coleman, for their dedication to such a substantial project.
The 34-acre Stratford site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1995. It was the location of Raymark Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of automotive brakes, clutch parts, and other friction components. The company operated at this location from 1919 until 1989 when operations ceased, leaving behind contamination in area soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater.
In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, was passed. The novel law gave EPA authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up most contaminated sites across country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford cleanup, funds appropriated by Congress are used.
