By Beth David, Editor
The Atlas Tack Working Group updated the Fairhaven Select Board on the progress the group has made trying to find a solution for the superfund site that is in the center of town.
ATWG chairperson, Rick Trapilo, told the board at its 2/2/26 meeting that the group has made progress defining the tasks that need to be completed on the site to bring it back to being a productive parcel for the town.
“We really are in a pivotal moment after decades,” said Mr. Trapilo.
He also said the town had a strong case to get the building demolished, and that the cost for doing that might be significantly lower than originally thought.
The 41 acre site includes 16 parcels resulting in a “tremendous amount of complexity,” said Mr. Trapilo.
The parcel with the original factory building in approximately 10.3 acres.
There are wetlands on the property, and part of it was cleaned up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but not to the level of allowing residential building.
Despite the complexity of the parcels and the configuration of the various challenges on the property, Mr. Trapilo said the trust that owns the property has been responsive and is doing its “due diligence” related to a variety of requests. The most urgent need, he said, is to get the perimeter fence replaced.
Mr. Trapilo said it is a “no brainer” that the building is a threat to public safety. The building needs to be demolished, he said, and estimates came in between $750K and $850K.
He said the ATWG has talked to EPA officials, who will step in if necessary to get the trust to do the work.
Mr. Trapilo said they are working with EPA and the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to come up with long term solutions. The goal is to bring the site up to some use that is a benefit to the town.
It is situated very close to Our Lady’s Haven, a long term nursing facility; and the former Rogers School, where a playground is in constant use by the neighborhood.
“It’s awful,” said Mr. Trapilo. “It’s awful for the community. It’s awful for the town.”
In his written remarks to the board, Mr. Trapilo said, “Once the structure and associated debris are removed, collaborative discussions may begin between the Town of Fairhaven and the Atlas Trust regarding potential future uses of approximately 10 acres of land. Any such discussions would occur only after the site is fully secured and remediated.”
He also wrote that the group is confident that the hazards on the site will be addressed.
“Since its formation, the Atlas Tech Working Group has worked with diligence, professionalism, and persistence to advance progress at this site, bringing us closer to resolution than at any time in decades. With continued coordination among town officials and regulatory agencies, we are confident that the remaining hazards will be addressed,” Mr. Trapilo. “The ultimate goal is to eliminate the longstanding stigma of a Superfund site and return this land to productive use that benefits the Town of Fairhaven once all remediation requirements are completed.
“The Atlas Tech Working Group remains fully committed and energized in pursuing this resolution on behalf of the community.”
The ATWG slide show is available on demand within the 2/2/26 meeting available at www.FairhavenTV.com, and as a PDF on our website: neighbnews.com under the 2/5/26 issue.
-
- An aerial photo from July, 2025, shows the extent of the collapse of the roof of the Atlas Tack building in Fairhaven, a superfund site that has been neglected for years. Photo courtesy of the Town of Fairhaven.
-
- Slide 8, part of a presentation by the Atlas Tack Working Group to the Fairhaven Select Board on 2/2/26, shows a 6.14 acre portion under a conservation easement that is part of the the 41 acres that comprise the Atlas Tack superfund site. Image from ATWG slide presentation.
-
- Slide 7, part of a presentation by the Atlas Tack Working Group to the Fairhaven Select Board on 2/2/26, shows the remediated portion of the 41 acres that comprise the Atlas Tack superfund site. Image from ATWG slide presentation.
-
- Slide 3, part of a presentation by the Atlas Tack Working Group to the Fairhaven Select Board on 2/2/26, shows the 41 acres that comprise the Atlas Tack superfund site. Image from ATWG slide presentation.
•••
Click here to download the 2/19/26 issue: 02-19-26 KoolKids
Click here to download the Atlas Tack presentation: ATWG_2-2-26
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
