News Releases from Region 01

Centredale Manor Superfund Site in Rhode Island included on EPA List of Targeted for Immediate Attention

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the list of Superfund sites that Administrator Pruitt has targeted for immediate and intense attention. The Centredale Manor Restoration Project superfund site is one of the 21 sites on the list. This list of superfund sites across the country are in direct response to the Superfund Task Force Recommendations, issued this summer, calling for this list.

"By elevating these sites we are sending a message that EPA is, in fact, restoring its Superfund program to its rightful place at the center of the Agency's mission," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "Getting toxic land sites cleaned up and revitalized is of the utmost importance to the communities across the country that are affected by these sites. I have charged the Superfund Task Force staff to immediately and intently develop plans for each of these sites to ensure they are thoughtfully addressed with urgency. By getting these sites cleaned up, EPA will continue to focus on ways we can directly improve public health and the environment for people across America."

In developing this initial list, EPA considered sites that can benefit from Administrator Pruitt's direct engagement and have identifiable actions to protect human health and the environment. These are sites requiring timely resolution of specific issues to expedite cleanup and redevelopment efforts. The list is designed to spur action at sites where opportunities exist to act quickly and comprehensively. The Administrator will receive regular updates on each of these sites.

The Centredale Manor Restoration Project site was formerly a chemical manufacturing and drum reconditioning operation in North Providence and Johnston, Rhode Island. Chemicals were released directly to the ground, buried and emptied into the Woonasquatucket River. Over time, dioxin and other contaminants from the source area of the site have entered the river and contaminated sediments and soils in the ponds and streams and adjacent floodplains extending from the source area up to Lyman Mill Dam.

In September 2012, EPA developed a plan for cleaning the site that includes removing and excavating contaminated materials out of the river. The site has been the subject of protracted litigation regarding implementation of EPA's $104 million cleanup plan. EPA's efforts will focus on resolving this case to allow the cleanup work to proceed.

The list is intended to be dynamic. Sites will move on and off the list as appropriate. At times, there may be more or fewer sites based on where the Administrator's attention and focus is most needed. There is no commitment of additional funding associated with a site's inclusion on the list.

EPA remains dedicated to addressing risks at all Superfund sites, not just those on the list. The Task Force Recommendations are aimed at expediting cleanup at all Superfund sites and Administrator Pruitt has set the expectation that there will be a renewed focus on accelerating work and progress at all Superfund sites across the country.

The Task Force, whose work is ongoing, has five overarching goals:

• Expediting cleanup and remediation;
• Reinvigorating cleanup and reuse efforts by potentially responsible parties;
• Encouraging private investment to facilitate cleanup and reuse;
• Promoting redevelopment and community revitalization; and
• Engaging with partners and stakeholders.

The Task Force will provide the public with regular updates as it makes progress on the Administrator's Emphasis list and other Task Force activities.

The list of sites can be found here.