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EPA FORMALLY PROPOSES MOHAWK TANNERY SITE TO SUPERFUND LIST

Release Date: 05/11/2000
Contact Information: Angela Bonarrigo, EPA Community Affairs, 617-918-1034

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the Mohawk Tannery Site located on Warsaw Avenue in Nashua, to the EPA's National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL, also known as Superfund, is EPA's list of the country's hazardous waste sites that have been identified for possible long-term cleanup by the federal government. Superfund makes public funds available to clean up toxic waste sites when private financing is unavailable. The site is a former tannery facility.

"This is a step in the right direction," said Nashua Mayor Bernard Streeter. "We look forward to working closely with EPA and NH Department of Environmental Services on this important project."

"Even while the listing process is underway, EPA will begin taking steps to address contamination on the site," said Mindy S. Lubber, EPA Regional Administrator. "EPA will begin work in June to tackle the most serious contamination on the site."

"New Hampshire believes this is a prime example of local, state and federal government working together to clean up a contaminated site when private parties are unable to do so," said NH DES Commissioner Robert W. Varney. "Cleanup of the site will yield public health, environmental and economic benefits to the city and the state."

The agency is hosting a public information session with NH Department of Environmental Services and Nashua officials on Thursday, May 18th at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Amherst Street Elementary School. Representatives from EPA, NH DES and the City of Nashua will be on hand to discuss both the Superfund program and the upcoming removal activities planned to begin in late June.

The former tannery operated between 1924 and 1984. The proposed listing includes the approximate 15 acre parcel on which the tannery facility is located and an undeveloped parcel located to the south of the facility, also about 15 acres in size. During it's 60 years of operations, the Mohawk Tannery, also known as Granite State Leathers, produced sludge and acidic residues from the tanning process, much of which was disposed of on-site.

Proposing the site to the NPL opens a 60-day comment period, during which time the public has an opportunity to offer comment and opinion on the listing. Comments must be submitted in writing by July 10, 2000 to:

By mail, send original and three copies to:

superfund.docket@epa.gov

Copies of the listing documents are available for public review at the following locations:

Community Development Office
2nd Floor City Hall
229 Main Street
Nashua NH

EPA Records Center
1 Congress St., Suite 1100
Boston MA 02114
Hours: M - F 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

NH Department of Environmental Services
6 Hazen Dr, P.O. Box 95
Concord NH 03302
Hours: M - F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.