LOCATION OF INJURY | New Bedford Harbor |
|---|---|
DATE OF INJURY | 1940s - 1980s |
DATE AND AMOUNT OF SETTLEMENT | Settled in 1992 at $20,200,000 |
RESPONSIBLE PARTY | Federal Pacific Electric, Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc., Aerovox Inc., and Belleville Industries, Inc. |
NATURAL RESOURCE TRUSTEES | MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) |
RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES | Industrial discharge (PCBs, toxic metals) |
INJURED RESOURCES | Rare and endangered species, e.g. roseate terns. |
| RESTORATION STATUS | Restoration Plan / EIS finalized 1998 Rounds 1 & 2 ongoing Round 3 ongoing Round 4 expected 2009 |
| PROJECTS COMPLETED | Land acquisition for protection of rare wetlands, shellfish, and finfish habitat |
| EXPENDITURES TO DATE | $21,000,000 |
ADDITIONAL RESOURES | NOAA DARRP New Bedford Harbor Case Waste Site Cleanup and Reuse (U.S. EPA) |
New Bedford Harbor NRD Case Settlement
In 1998, the New Bedford Harbor Trustees approved the implementation of a first round of 11 restoration projects at a cost of $4 million. Restoration of shellfish beds, anadramous fisheries, recreational parks, endangered species habitat/populations, salt marshes, and preservation of open space are some of the projects. One project has involved the acquisition and preservation of 159 acres of coastal land as open space including "Rare Wetlands Wildlife and Certified Vernal Pools" and "High-Priority sites of Rare Species Habitats and Exemplary Natural Communities" at a cost of $380,000. A second round of 17 restoration projects at $8 million is ongoing. A third round of 6 restoration projects at $5.7 million is underway. A fourth round will be initiated in 2009.
Natural Resource Trustees
The New Bedford Harbor Natural Resources Trustees include the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Restoration Planning and Projects
Restoration is underway at the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site to address injuries to sediments, water column, wildlife, and fisheries, which have been highly contaminated with PCBs as a result of industrial discharges into the harbor. Restoration projects are funded via the $20.2 million NRD payment made to the Trustees by the responsible parties.
I. Endangered Species Recovery - Tern Restoration
| Location | Bird, Ram, and Penikese Islands |
|---|---|
| Date | 2000 - 2009 |
| Project | Restore / manage terns & enhance nesting habitat |
| Project Cost | $2,400,000 |
| Restored Resources | Common and Roseate Terns |
| Partners in Restoration | MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife |
II. Habitats: Land Acquisition and Preservation
| Date | Location | Acres | Cost | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 1998 | Sconticut Neck (North), Fairhaven | 160 | $394,000 | Fairhaven/Acushnet Land Preservation Trust |
| Feb. 2003 | Popes Beach, Fairhaven | 2.6 | $869,000 | Town of Fairhaven |
| Nov. 2003 | Marsh Island (North), Fairhaven | 14 | $50,000 | Fairhaven/Acushnet Land Preservation Trust |
| Dec. 2003 | Acushnet River Valley, Acushnet | 208 | $968,000 | Fairhaven/Acushnet Land Preservation Trust |
| Jan. 2004 | Popes Beach (South), Fairhaven | 3.6 | $757,000 | Town of Fairhaven |
| TOTAL | 388.2 | $3,038,000 |
- Preserved lands will be held in trust to be used and enjoyed by the public while natural resources and habitats are preserved
- Protected resources include tidal and riverine wetlands, beach, forested uplands, and various wildlife including rare species
III. Marshes and Wetlands: Salt Marsh Restoration
| Location | Dartmouth |
|---|---|
| Date | April, 2003 |
| Project | Culvert replacement |
| Project Cost | $46,968 |
| Restored Resources | Salt marsh & finfish |
| Partners In Restoration | Town of Dartmouth |
- The new culvert connects the 6.5 acre Padanaraman salt marsh to the Apponagansett Bay.
- Increased tidal inundation and soil salinity were restored and invasive species reduced
- Fish that were unable to access the marsh prior to restoration are now present
IV. Anadramous Fisheries: Herring Run Restoration
The reservoir dam fish way was completed in 10/02. A scope of work is being prepared for the design and permitting for fish passage alternatives for the Acushnet Sawmill and Hamlin Street dams
| Location | Acushnet River |
|---|---|
| Date | 2002 |
| Project | Re-establish fish passage |
| Project Cost | $1,700,000 |
| Restored Resources | Herring, other fish species |
| Partners In Restoration | Town of Acushnet, MA Division of Marine Fisheries, MA River Restore Program |
V. Other Projects
| DATE | PROJECT | PARTNERS IN RESTORATION |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2003 | Wetland Restoration | MA Wetlands Restoration Program |
| 1999-2005 | Restoring quahogs, scallops, clams | Regional Shellfish Restoration Committee |
| 1999 & 2000 | Eelgrass Restoration | UNH Jackson Laboratory |
| 2004 | Fort Taber Park and Riverside Park | City of New Bedford |
New Bedford Harbor NRD Trustee Contacts
MA Department of Environmental Protection
Karen Pelto
617.292.5785
Karen.Pelto@state.ma.us
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Molly Sperduto
603.223.2541
Molly_Sperduto@fws.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Chris Mantzaris
978.281.9311
Chris.Mantzaris@noaa.gov
This information is provided by the Massachusetts Natural Damages Assessment and Restoration.