Recently, two experts in the cleanup of contaminated properties, or brownfields, offered their assessment of the current state of the old Lunt Silversmiths site. Lyons Witten, a hydrologist and licensed site professional (LSP) and Glen Ayers, a certified health officer and registered sanitarian, spoke at the Jan. 11 Economic and Development Committee meeting. Their presentations were extremely informative and helped clear up questions I had, specifically concerning the groundwater. I was curious what contaminates have been found in the water, where the contaminates are originating from and migrating to, and what their opinions were as to the best way to address the situation.
The contaminate of most concern was the volatile organic compound Tricloroethylene (TCE). It was primarily found in two locations: In a degreasing unit on the south side of the property and in 55-gallon drums found outside on the western end of one of the buildings.
The groundwater flow from the manufacturing site goes southward under Kenwood, Forest and Davis streets. Residences on those streets were tested in 2013 and elevated levels of both TCE and Benzene were found but no subsequent testing has been done. That not only leaves concern for volatile organic compound vaporization into the residential recovery center and nearby homes through cracks or openings in the foundations, but also for dermal exposure through contact with contaminated soil.
Witten reported that the majority of the contaminated water was being intercepted by the sewer system. He stated that this is, “not necessarily correct or permissible but it’s the reality of the situation.” Later on in the discussion, he told the committee that there was “not much resolution as to what should be done about that and whether that can continue.” He stated that he “didn’t know that the DEP would agree that the current situation of groundwater discharging into the sewer and then evaporating over time before it reaches the Green River is OK or not.”
Ayers offered some possible solutions that have been used in groundwater contamination problems such as this. One would be to put in barriers to isolate the contaminates and prevent migration. Another would involve putting in a groundwater collection system. Other methods would be to use a chemical oxidation reduction system or even possibly air sparging, or air volatilization, although he did not feel that would be considered because of the site’s proximity to a residential neighborhood.
In any case, it’s clear that appropriate controls must be put in place to collect, treat and reduce the hazardous waste materials. It’s imperative in order to prevent further exposure to the staff and residents of the recovery center and the adjacent neighborhoods. Since the Lunt property has already been fully redeveloped, this is the only course of action that is acceptable.
I am alarmed at the indifference town officials have shown towards the health dangers the Lunt property presents. Unless citizens apply pressure to their elected officials to undertake immediate action, the contamination will continue unabated. People will get sick. Liability issues will mount.
The remediation efforts must be started in a timely manner and must be done in an open and transparent way, with full public participation and involvement.
If you would like to sign the petition for the Public Involvement Plan to show your support for a robust public involvement process, please send an email to luntneighborhood@gmail.com.
I encourage all who are concerned about the contamination at the Lunt property and want to ensure the site is cleaned up once and for all, to attend the online public hearing to discuss the plan. It is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. via Webex. For more information call the Greenfield City Clerk at (413) 772-1555. For a direct link to the meeting go to greenfield-ma.gov/calendar, click on Feb. 15 and then the highlighted box titled, “Hearing for 298 Federal St. Public Involvement Plan.” I hope to see you there!
Dawn Morin lives in Greenfield.