The U.S. EPA has successfully moved ahead of the Aerovox Mill demolition schedule anticipated earlier this year. The initial phase of the demolition process, involving the removal of hazardous materials from inside the building, is expected to be completed in early July. The careful deconstruction of the building structure is now set to begin by August.
In the lower Acushnet River, where it meets New Bedford Harbor, EPA will also resume its eighth season of Superfund dredging to remove contaminated sediment from the harbor floor. Dredging activities just began and are expected to continue through September.
Seven areas are targeted for dredging this year; two just north of Manomet Street in New Bedford, four stretching across the harbor immediately north and south of the former Aerovox Mill and a smaller area at the end of Sawyer Street. EPA will be taking water quality, air quality and sediment samples to ensure that the harbor cleanup is progressing effectively and safely.
[mappress]
Source: epa, June 29, 2011