The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its statutory obligation by conducting comprehensive site cleanup reviews for ten Superfund sites in Massachusetts during the 2025 Fiscal Year. These "five-year reviews" are mandated by law to assess the effectiveness of cleanup remedies implemented at Superfund sites on the National Priorities List.
The reviews aim to ensure that previous cleanup efforts continue to protect human health and the environment. According to the EPA, these evaluations concluded that existing remedies remain effective, although recommendations for follow-up actions were made where necessary. The results of these reviews are available on the EPA's website.
The Massachusetts sites reviewed include Atlas Tack Corp. in Fairhaven, Blackburn & Union Privileges in Walpole, Cannon Engineering Corp. in Bridgewater, Charles George Reclamation Trust Landfill in Tyngsborough, Fort Devens in Fort Devens, Groveland Wells in Groveland, New Bedford Harbor in New Bedford, Norwood PCBs in Norwood, and PSC Resources in Palmer.
Additionally, an addendum was issued for a 2023 review report concerning Sullivan's Ledge in New Bedford. This addendum outlines actions taken to maintain protective measures at the site, including additional monitoring following the restart of a groundwater treatment system designed to capture contaminants and control their migration.
The Superfund program was established by Congress in 1980 to address complex hazardous waste sites across the country. It includes phases such as future use considerations and post-cleanup monitoring with a primary goal of protecting human health and the environment. Regular five-year reviews are crucial for identifying any issues affecting remedy protectiveness and recommending necessary actions.
For more information about EPA's Superfund program, visit www.epa.gov/superfund
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