MONTAGUE — As the public comment period continues on the draft document outlining cleanup of the former Strathmore mill complex following its demolition, thoughts shared at a recent public comment session focused on historic preservation options.
A public comment session, held on May 11, is a mandatory part of the Community Involvement Plan that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires as part of its grant program, through which Montague was awarded $4.92 million.
Todd Kirton of engineering firm Tighe & Bond attended to provide context on the draft “Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives,” for which public comment is being sought. According to the draft document, the project’s goal is to “remove blight, protect human health and prevent an ecological disaster” due to the condition of the Strathmore, which is in an “advanced state of disrepair.” The demolition and cleanup of the 1.9-acre site is described as beneficial in numerous ways, as it will eliminate potential human exposure to harmful contaminants and remove a threat of pollution to the Connecticut River.
Included in the draft document are three options for the cleanup, referred to as alternatives: a no-action alternative, which means no changes would be made at the Strathmore; Alternative 2, which includes building demolition, abatement and bringing clean fill from outside the project site for restoration; or Alternative 3, which is the same as Alternative 2, but uses some of the building material for fill.
Kirton said that after demolition, there will be a hole that is 24 to 25 feet deep requiring fill, which would create a slope to support the wall between the buildings and canal.
The draft document recommends the third alternative based on its cost of $4.2 million, compared to the second alternative, which would cost $6.2 million. In Alternative 3, painted or coated brick and concrete that contains few contaminants can be used as backfill, and would be separated from hazardous materials that would be disposed of. This backfill option is available upon authorization from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
“It’s a significant savings to do … the cleanup approach that we’re taking here,” Kirton said.
At the public comment session on May 11, two speakers asked questions regarding options for historic preservation.
Will Quale, chair of the library trustees, had asked about a prior suggestion to use some of the old Strathmore bricks as “decorative elements” of the facade of the proposed new library at 38 Avenue A, if the library project is approved. The idea would also be contingent on whether the brick is safe to be reused, and if timelines match up with demolition and library construction.
Kirton said he does not know any specific plan for brick reuse in this context, but that the Massachusetts Historical Commission is involved. Selectboard Chair Matthew Lord said he would help connect Quale with Assistant Town Administrator Chris Nolan-Zeller, and then to Tighe & Bond to discuss it further.
Janel Nockleby, chair of the Montague Historical Commission, also had a question about historic preservation.
“Is there any possibility of preserving foundations from any of the buildings, as leaving a footprint behind of the industrial past?” Nockleby asked, adding how some commission members are interested in taking photos inside the Strathmore, too.
Nolan-Zeller noted there will be conversations with the state commission regarding historical protection as the permit process continues. Kirton said Tighe & Bond will reach out to the Montague Historical Commission to review its permit application to the state.
The public comment session on the draft document ends May 30. Comments can be directed to Montague Town Hall at 1 Avenue A, which will serve as the “information repository” for public comments, with Nolan-Zeller acting as the main contact. Nolan-Zeller can be reached at chrisn@montague-ma.gov or 413-863-3200, ext. 109.
A final document will be made available for further comments between May 26 and June 3.
