EPA New England Press Releases

EPA SCHEDULES MEETINGS TO DISCUSS CLEANUP OF PCB SEDIMENTS

Contact: Alice Kaufman, EPA Press Office, (617) 918-1064

For immediate release: August 20, 1998; Release # 98-8-11

Boston - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled two meetings with New Bedford citizens to discuss the proposed disposal plan for PCB contaminated sediments that were dredged from New Bedford Harbor. The plan was developed after a lengthy period of research into alternatives for disposing of the contaminated sediments that have been stored since 1995 in a confined disposal area on Sawyer Street in New Bedford.

The proposed plan calls for water to be removed from the sediments and treated at the existing facility. The sediments will be shipped to a licensed hazardous waste landfill for final disposal.

A poster board presentation will be on display before each meeting so that citizens can learn about the proposed plan.

The schedule of meetings follows:

• An Information Session will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 1998 at Centro Luzo American Club, 34 Beetle Street in New Bedford at 7:00 PM.

• A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 1998 at Centro Luzo American Club, 34 Beetle Street in New Bedford at 7:00 PM where people can comment on the proposed plan.

• A formal comment period for citizens to register their opinions in the form of written comments on the proposed plan will begin on August 27, 1998, following the information session, and will run through September 25.

The plan is the product of several years of research into various options for disposing of highly contaminated materials and represents a consensus of the members of the New Bedford Citizens Forum. Members of the Forum include representatives from Hands Across the River Coalition, Downwind Coalition, Concerned Parents of Fairhaven, local business, and local, state and federal agencies. The Forum was developed in 1993 to devise a cleanup plan to replace an EPA proposed on-site incineration plan for the disposal of Hot Spot sediments.

This is an opportunity for citizens to learn about the proposed cleanup plan and to learn about the others that were considered. Meet with Jim Brown, EPA's project manager who will answer your questions.

EPA will consider all public comments before determining the final cleanup plan.

METADATA

1. TITLE: EPA Schedules Meetings to Discuss Cleanup of PCB Sediments

2. ABSTRACT: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled two meetings with New Bedford citizens to discuss the proposed disposal plan for PCB contaminated sediments that were dredged from New Bedford Harbor. The plan was developed after a lengthy period of research into alternatives for disposing of the contaminated sediments that have been stored since 1995 in a confined disposal area on Sawyer Street in New Bedford.

3. PURPOSE: Public Information

4. ORIGINATOR: Regional Administrator's Office

5. PUBLICATION DATE: 08/20/98

6. ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: N/A

7. AVAILABILITY: N/A
   a. Distributor:
   b. Order Process:
   c. Technical Prerequisites:
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   e. Downloadable Files:

8. COVERAGE: N/A

9. TIME PERIOD OF COVERAGE: N/A

10. POINT OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    Alice Kaufman
    Office of the Regional Administrator
    EPA Region 1, New England
    JFK Kennedy Building (RAA)
    Boston, MA 02203
    617) 918-1064

11. RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
    Alice Kaufman
    Office of the Regional Administrator

12. DATE OF CREATION: 08/24/98

13. AGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: N/A

14. EXPIRATION DATE: 09/24/98