Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $100,000 to Promote Public Engagement in Cleanup of Contaminated Sites

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $100,000 in grants to support two municipalities and three community groups through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program. This program is designed to enhance community involvement in the assessment and cleanup processes of contaminated sites within their communities. The grants provide funding to hire expert assistance that can offer guidance and support. The consultants will also help increase public participation and awareness by providing educational resources that inform residents about contamination issues and the steps being taken to address them.

"Properties that have been contaminated by past industrial or other activities pose significant concerns to nearby residents and can be a blight on our communities. These grants support local efforts to become more informed about risks and cleanup efforts," said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. "Enabling residents to be part of the solution fosters trust in the process and drives better environmental and public health outcomes across the state."

The five grant recipients are:

Greater Hyannis Civic Association, Inc. – Up to $20,000

Greater Hyannis Civic Association will use its award to engage technical expertise to review and interpret documents and information related to the disposal sites located the Cape Cod Gateway Municipal Airport and the Barnstable County Fire Training Academy in Hyannis. This effort aims to enhance transparency in the regulatory process and foster expanded community engagement. Contaminants of concern include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which impact soil, surface water, groundwater, and public and private drinking water supplies.

Lunt Neighborhood Action Group, Inc. – Up to $20,000

Lunt Neighborhood Action Group, Inc. will use its award to engage technical expertise to evaluate and interpret existing information about the Former Lunt Silversmith disposal site in Greenfield. This initiative seeks to encourage greater public participation in the ongoing cleanup of the former metal manufacturing facility. Contaminants of concern include chlorinated volatile organic compounds, which have been detected in soil, groundwater, and indoor air.

City of Salem – Up to $20,000

The City of Salem will use its award to engage a technical expert to enhance public participation and education. The expert will assist the City in effectively communicating complex technical issues to the community regarding the disposal site at Cedar and Barnes Road. The disposal site is located in a residential and commercial area and the contaminants of concern include Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chromium, which impact soil.

Friends of the Rainbow Path, Inc. – Up to $20,000

Friends of the Rainbow Path will use its award to engage a technical expert to provide technical advice and guidance to the group. The initiative aims to encourage public participation by promoting access to information about the disposal site located at 445 Concord Avenue in Cambridge. Contaminants of concern include Trichloroethylene (TCE), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and heavy metals, which impact soil.

Town of Westminster – Up to $20,000

The Town of Westminster will use its award to engage a technical expert to review and interpret information related to the Bean Porridge Hill Road Area disposal site. The project aims to enhance public participation by assisting town officials and community members to better understand relevant complex technical information. Contaminants of concern include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), impacting residential drinking water wells.

For more information visit the MassDEP TAG Program online.

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

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