EPA has finalized the seventh Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site. The seventh ESD memorializes three modifications to the 1998 Upper and Lower Harbor Record of Decision, which include making 10 interim sediment caps permanent, changing the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) cleanup level for the intertidal shoreline from 50 parts per million (ppm) to 25 ppm in the areas adjacent to the proposed River Walk, and authorizing land-use controls to limit exposure to sediments within the intertidal and subtidal zones where sediments do not meet the residential PCB cleanup level of 1 ppm. The full ESD can be found at https://semspub.epa.gov/work/01/695929.pdf
EPA is soliciting public comments on the draft Community Involvement Plan (CIP) during the 21-day public comment period starting ending on October 27, 2025. Comments on the CIP can be submitted via email to shaheen.aaron@epa.gov or by phone to 617-918-1071.
•••
Click here to download the 10/23/25 issue: 10-23-25 HalloweenTrail
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
