**Cleanup Work Continues on Pownal Tannery Superfund Site
Lagoons**![](media/image1.wmf){width="1.5in"
height="0.5888888888888889in"}

**Site Background**

During site investigations of the tannery lagoon area, that were
completed in 2002, EPA examined the nature and extent of contamination
in the soils, groundwater, surface water and sediments. Analysis of

the lagoon soils revealed elevated levels of lead, arsenic, chromium,
mercury, benzo(a)pyrene, pentachlorophenol (PCP) and dioxin. Using the
data collected, EPA conducted a human health risk assessment which
concluded that, due to the elevated presence of these contaminants,
there was an unacceptable risk to human health and that a cleanup action
was needed. A subsequent feasibility study was conducted to examine
potential cleanup options.

In July 2002, the EPA proposed a cleanup plan for the 18-acre lagoon
area. In September of 2003 EPA then signed a Record of Decision
approving the final site cleanup plan.

**Overview**

Beginning in the summer of 2003 EPA began implementing the cleanup plan,
that included the following components:

-   Excavation and consolidation of contaminated sludge from three of
    five lagoons and construction of a low permeability cover;

-   long-term monitoring of ground

> water and river sediment;

-   annual site inspection and review of

the remedy every five years;

-   establishment of Institutional controls to prevent water consumption
    from the lagoon/ landfill areas, and to prevent excavation of lagoon
    sludge.

**Current activities: Where we are now...**

The EPA, Vermont DEC and The town of Pownal are working cooperatively on
different aspects of the lagoon cleanup. In the summer of 2003, the Town
of Pownal began site preparation work for the new Waste Water Treatment
Plant that will be built after the Lagoon cleanup is completed. After
clearing, an engineering measure (referred to as "wick drains") was
installed at Lagoon 2 to improve the condition of subsurface soils in
preparation for the future facility to be constructed there. EPA
subsequently compacted and raised Lagoon 2 with clean fill.

In the Fall of 2003, EPA completed clearing the remaining lagoons of all
debris and vegetation. Electrical poles were removed, sediment control
measures were installed and additional fencing was added.

Planned Activities: What to expect\...

EPA contractors have re-mobilized on site to complete the cleanup
activities in 2004. Excavation of contaminated sludge from the two most
contaminated lagoons (Lagoons 1 and 5, located next to the Hoosic River)
will begin in the Spring. This sludge will be stabilized and relocated
on-site. This material will be covered with a low permeability,
multi-layer cap designed to prevent human exposure to the contamination
in the sludge and to resist flooding from the Hoosic River.

Once the sludge is covered, the Lagoons will be backfilled with clean
soil, the site will be re-vegetated, and the majority of the temporary
fences will be removed to allow recreational access. Fencing on the
northeastern side of the covered sludge (i.e. between the landfill and
the cornfield will remain. Permanent boulders will be placed along the
top eastern and southern edge of the new landfill. These measures are
designed to prevent future vehicle access in an effort to maintain the
integrity of the cover system. Following the successful completion of
the cap, the landfill will be routinely mowed and maintained by the
VTDEC.

Throughout the cleanup portion of the

project by EPA, considerable measures

will be taken to minimize odors and dust

from leaving the site. There will be dump

trucks bringing clean soil to the site, and

other heavy equipment in use throughout the spring and summer seasons of
2004.

The construction phase of this cleanup is

anticipated to be completed in September of

2004\.

**WARNING: Restricted Area**

**The Lagoon Area is an active work area**

**and poses a risk to persons who trespass during the construction
period. Site workers are moving heavy equipment on and off the site.
While EPA will take measures to restrict public access, EPA asks that
Pownal residents help in this cleanup effort by warning children and
others to [not enter the Lagoon work areas.]{.underline}**

**EPA will make every effort to minimize disturbance to residents during
the cleanup process.**

Number range CHAPTER**For more information on the Pownal Tannery
Superfund site cleanup contact:**

Leslie McVickar, EPA Project Manager

617-918-1374

Toll free: 1-888-372-7341 ext.81374

email: mcvickar.leslie@epa.gov

Brian Woods, VT DEC Project Manager

802-241-3885

email:
[[Brianw@dec.anr.state.vt.us]{.underline}](mailto:Brianw@dec.anr.state.vt.us)

Pamela Harting-Barrat, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator

617-918-1319

Toll free: 1-888-372-7341 ext.81319

email: <harting-barrat.pamela@epa.gov>

To access reports and documents, visit the

Pownal Superfund Information Repository at:

Solomon Wright Public Library

Pownal, Vermont 05621

Phone: 802/ 823-5400

Hours: Vary, call ahead for schedule

To access information from the Web:

Internet users may access general Superfund Program and site specific
information on EPA's Superfund Web page at:

http://www.epa.gov/superfund

Pownal Lagoon Area Cleanup

Schedule/ Time line

August 2003