Current Site Status
During the year of 1989, the EPA drafted a cleanup plan that included a process of excavating and incinerating for 2,100 cubic yards of contaminated soil. The additional soil was cleaned by extracting vapors, and pumping toxic groundwater was also conducted for further treatments. More than 540 million gallons of groundwater has been pumped since 1989, including 4,700 pounds of contaminants which has gone through treatment systems. 1,602 tons of contaminated soil has been removed from wells G&H. The responsible parties of the contaminated areas have agreed to conduct studies on the risk assessments of the hot spots onsite. Further investigations during the year of 2013 concluded a baseline risk assessment for the Southwest Property. As for the Former Drum Disposal Area, 17 drums were removed during the years of 1986 and 1987. During the year of 2003, 56 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated soils were removed from this area of concern.
The Industri-Plex is also a superfund site that is located only a mile upstream in North Woburn. Wells G & H and Industri-Plex are hydraulically connected by the Aberjona River. During the investigation by the EPA, the two sites were emerged into one feasibility study for the entire river system. Components of the cleanup included dredging and disposal of contaminated sediments, capping of different polluted areas, treatment of groundwater plumes, bioremediation of benzene-contaminated groundwater, and long-term monitoring of groundwater, surface water and sediments, and etc.
Record of Decisions
- Below is a "pdf" file that illustrates in great depth of the detailed decisions made for remedial actions:
record_of_decisions.pdf | |
File Size: | 23039 kb |
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What's being done to protect human health and the environment?
The contaminated site has been addressed through federal and PRP actions. The cleanup plan that was presented by the EPA addressed site risks through treatment of soil and groundwater, soil removal, dredging and off-site disposal of sediments. The northern part of a pond is located onsite, which is used as a sediment retention area to intercept contaminated groundwater plumes, treat contaminants of concern, and minimize downstream migration of toxins. In addition to these safety precautions, an impermeable cap has lined stream channels and has prevented contaminated soil from eroding. Land use controls have restricted contact with soils, groundwater and deeper wetland areas of concern. Long-term monitoring operations and five-year reviews will be conducted for the remediated site of Wells G&H.
Are there risks at the site now?
The groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including TCE and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Sediments in the Aberjona River are contaminated with heavy metals also known as arsenic. Soil is contaminated with PCBs, PAHs, VOCs and different pesticides. People are at risk if they come in contact with contaminated soil or ground water by touch or ingestion.
Redevelopment Activity
Superfund site “Wells G&H” includes 330 acres of land and contaminated groundwater in the town of Woburn, Massachusetts. Prior operations onsite consisted of dry cleaning, solvent storage, truck terminal, drum disposal and plastic manufacturing. All prior operations would show a red flag today. In 1979, the DEP discovered high levels of hazardous chemicals in two different supply wells. These areas are also known as Wells G&H. The DEP of Massachusetts closed the wells for further investigations. Clean up processes are explained above within the “Current Status” section of this webpage.
During the year of 2002, the City of Woburn’s Redevelopment Authority began exploring the reuse options for this area. Different recommendations for the three parcels within this site included an ice skating rink, office and retail space, and nature trials for tourists. The ice skating rink construction was successfully completed during the year of 2008 after further cleaning processes of dismantled cars. This fairly new ice skating rink provides recreational opportunities for a local community that places a high value on the contact sport of hockey. The owner of this property also leases other portions to small businesses such as a dog care facility, bus storage and an auto supplier shop. The EPA now also supports the commercial reuse of the second parcel, which has potential for hotel or possibly restaurant development. The City of Woburn owns the third parcel and has planned to reuse it for ecological and recreational purposes, such as the making of wildlife viewing platforms.
Below are files that give greater detail towards the reuse of the site and the benefits the operations will give to the local community.
Reuse & Benefits to the Community: Wells G&H Case Study | |
File Size: | 400 kb |
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2009 Return to Use Demonstration Project | |
File Size: | 424 kb |
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Additional Videos
- Below shows the TCE contaminants of groundwater wells within Woburn, Massachusetts. The TCE movement spreads intensely overtime.
(TCE Movement) Wells G&H
A Civil Action
The Superfund site grew in popularity, resulting in a book and movie called "A Civil Action." Below is a summary of the film, with a YouTube link that reveals the entire movie for free. This movie focuses on a lawyer named Jan Schlichtmann and his role before remediation action was taken. The movie is very entertaining, starring John Travolta. However, purchasing the book is highly recomended fo further details during the court case against the possible responsible parties (PRPs).
- Jan Schlichtmann is a successful lawyer whose practically his own entrepreneur. He's a humble bachelor with a nice car, a nice house, and a career that has amassed huge rewards. Not to mention being the founder and practice of the lucrative law firm he runs with his Boston partners, all in a case's settlement. However, when the families of deceased children sue a giant food conglomerate, with the accusation of their companies are responsible for poisoning their children and afflicting them fatally with cancer. Jan comes to the rescue, thinking it's one more case he can easily knock out of the park and make a fortune, as well as a name for he and his firm. With a class action lawsuit to file, Jan willingly puts himself and his firm as representatives of those families. However, it's one case that could ruin Jan: his pride, his ambition, and ultimately, his career. As the pressures of the case begin to take their turn on both the prosecution, the defense, as well as the families, Jan is about to realize that he has taken on the biggest case of his life, and there is a price to pay.