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Fisherville Mill - a Case Study - Cost Effective Remediation Through Collaboration

This Case Study was Authored by Stone's Bette Nowack, together with colleagues from MassDEP, Weston Solutions, and Fisherville Redevelopment Corporation.  It was published in the Proceedings of the Annual International Conference on Soils, Sediments, Water and Energy, Volume 13, Article 10.

ABSTRACT: 

The Fisherville Mill site is located on the Blackstone River in Grafton, MA. Soil and groundwater are contaminated with chlorinated VOCs and petroleum. The mill and a groundwater recovery system designed to prevent VOCs from migrating to a public water supply well (Well # 3) located approximately 1000 feet southwest of the site were destroyed by fire in August 1999. In November 2000, TCE was detected in Well #3. After notification, site investigation efforts focused on evaluating potential migration pathways to Well #3.

Based on site investigation results, the USEPA installed a temporary dam to alter groundwater flow directions and reduce risk to Well # 3. In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) using sodium permanganate was selected to decrease TCE concentrations in the source area and provide long-term protection for Well # 3.

Fisherville Redevelopment Company (FRC) took ownership of the site in 2004. A collaborative approach and strategy was developed between FRC, MassDEP and the Town of Grafton that would encourage significant remedial actions while environmental assessment and engineering activities were ongoing. Work completed includes installation of a # 6 oil interception and collection infrastructure, and encapsulation of asbestos impacted debris and lead contaminated soil in flowable fill.