GREENFIELD — A project to clean up the former Greenfield Tap and Die site on Meridian Street has resumed after more hazardous material was found in the soil.
Workers are currently dredging and removing the soil impacted by contaminants, including metal fines coated with cutting oil. According to a project description provided by the town’s Conservation Commission, the cleanup has been ongoing since 1986.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection conducted an audit on the property in 2007 and issued a notice of non-compliance to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., which currently owns the site, which mandated follow-up remedial actions.
A request for comment from the property owner was not returned by press time.
According to the project description, soil samples show a smear zone of contaminants that encroaches upon the edge of the Green River. About 400 cubic yards of impacted sediment will need to be removed and a temporary cofferdam was built in the river to prevent water from entering the work area.
Hazardous material removal has been successful over the past several years, according to the project description, but levels have not diminished to the point where the site can close under the requirements of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, which establishes requirements and procedures for the cleanup of hazardous materials.
The project has received approval from the Conservation Commission, Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, as well as a water quality certification.
You can reach Aviva Luttrell at: aluttrell@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268 On Twitter follow: @AvivaLuttrell