The Cleanup Project
Although manufactured gas plants are believed to have operated under the standards and practices of their times, today we know more about their potential impacts to the environment.
Liberty, along with its environmental contractor, AECOM, have studied the site extensively. These studies have helped identify where residues or environmental impacts are located. The studies included sampling of soil and groundwater both on the site and in adjacent areas, and sampling of sediment and surface water within the Ten Mile River and Mire Brook.
The environmental studies completed at the former gas plant site have found environmental impacts that require attention. The areas requiring attention include portions of Liberty’s property, portions of the Ten Mile River and Mire Brook and portions of several adjacent properties, several of which were purchased recently by Liberty and will be returned to their former use as residential properties upon completion of the Project.
State and Local Agencies Involved
Liberty is conducting its environmental studies and cleanup of the former Mount Hope Street manufactured gas plant site in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) and an Administrative Consent Order issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Under the MCP, all work is heavily regulated and must meet all relevant environmental laws and regulations. The work is also completed under the direction of a Licensed Site Professional.
In our activities at the site, we are also working closely with the town of North Attleboro, including the Town Manager and the North Attleboro Conservation Commission and Department of Public Works.
Significant Cleanup Actions Have Already Been Completed
Liberty has already completed significant cleanup actions to address environmental impacts within its operating area at 439 Mt. Hope Street. These actions included:
- Removing approximately 1,700 tons of impacted soil from the Liberty property, which was transported off the site to an appropriately licensed facility for treatment or reuse,
- Constructing a cover over remaining impacted soil, and
- Installing stormwater management systems.
Long-term Cleanup Actions to Address Remaining Environmental Impacts
Liberty is now planning long-term cleanup actions that aim to restore the environment at the former gas plant site and neighboring properties so that it continues to be safe to use over the long term. These actions include:
- Removal of impacted soil.
- Removal of impacted sediment within select areas of the Ten Mile River and Mire Brook.
- Restoration of river, wetland, and upland areas.
- Returning adjacent properties to prior use.
Project Timeline
The site construction work is expected to begin in August 2020 and will take an estimated nine to fifteen months to complete, depending on a number of factors including weather conditions.
Project Safety Measures
Liberty’s environmental projects are carried out under plans that are designed to ensure the health and safety of workers and the neighboring community. During the cleanup work, the site will be secured by a fence, and the gates will be locked when the workers are not present. During work on adjacent properties, the work area will be temporarily fenced. At various times, traffic may be managed for trucks entering and leaving the site.
Based on the nature of the impacts, we expect the work may produce noise, typical of any construction site, and odors at times. Coal tar smells very similar to mothballs or roofing tar. Workers will be able to reduce the odors with foam and tarps. In addition, the air will be monitored for dust and chemical emissions, using equipment that works much like smoke detectors.