DOJ Announces 30-Day Public Comment Period for Consent Decree Settling Natural Resource Damage Claims at Blackburn & Union Privileges Superfund Site in Massachusetts

Sediments in Lewis Pond in Walpole, Massachusetts were contaminated with chromium, lead, nickel and asbestos fibers, degrading the habitat for resident fish and migratory birds such as great blue herons and dabbling ducks. Photo credit: Molly Sperduto, FWS.

On September 12, 2011 the U.S. Department of Justice announced the lodging of a proposed Consent Decree to settle claims for natural resource damages against four settling parties at the Blackburn and Union Privileges Superfund site in Walpole, Massachusetts. This site, along the Neponset River, was contaminated by chromium, arsenic, mercury, asbestos and other hazardous substances from industrial production activities dating back to the 17th century. The natural resource trustees involved at this site include the U.S. Department of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Under the proposed Consent Decree, the settling parties will pay $1,000,000 for natural resource restoration projects to be implemented by the natural resource trustees and $94,169.56 for costs incurred by the trustees in assessing the damages. 

The Department of Justice is accepting written comments on this proposed settlement for the next 30 days.

Further reading:

• Federal Register Notice