Bliss Corner DEP Investigation

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In the summer of 2018, MassDEP responded to a request from the Town of Dartmouth to investigate potential environmental hazards in the Bliss Corner area of Dartmouth. MassDEP performed an inspection during which waste material was observed in the shallow soil on certain residential properties, including some lots being developed.

The waste material observed typically consists of discolored soil (blackish) containing broken glass, scrap metal, bricks, shingles, and tar-like material. Historic press clips provided to MassDEP and the Town described historic dumping activities dating back to at least the 1930s, before the residential development of this neighborhood.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began assisting MassDEP in 2020, by sending additional teams to sample soil from residential properties. MassDEP sought assistance from the EPA in investigating and remediating lead and PCBs at certain properties. The EPA has identified five of the studied properties containing lead and/or PCBs in soil above EPA Removal Management Levels.

It is anticipated that EPA will implement a targeted removal action at these five properties. The contamination is believed to be the result of historical filling of low-lying areas. MassDEP continues to evaluate remedial options for other properties within the study area where lead and PCBs in shallow soils exceed the regulatory criteria. The Town of Dartmouth continues to work with EPA and MassDEP in public outreach and communication of ongoing activities in the Bliss Corner neighborhood.

See this update from Chris Michaud, Dartmouth's Director of Public Health, at the February 5, 2024 Select Board meeting.


In the summer of 2018, MassDEP responded to a request from the Town of Dartmouth to investigate potential environmental hazards in the Bliss Corner area of Dartmouth. MassDEP performed an inspection during which waste material was observed in the shallow soil on certain residential properties, including some lots being developed.

The waste material observed typically consists of discolored soil (blackish) containing broken glass, scrap metal, bricks, shingles, and tar-like material. Historic press clips provided to MassDEP and the Town described historic dumping activities dating back to at least the 1930s, before the residential development of this neighborhood.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began assisting MassDEP in 2020, by sending additional teams to sample soil from residential properties. MassDEP sought assistance from the EPA in investigating and remediating lead and PCBs at certain properties. The EPA has identified five of the studied properties containing lead and/or PCBs in soil above EPA Removal Management Levels.

It is anticipated that EPA will implement a targeted removal action at these five properties. The contamination is believed to be the result of historical filling of low-lying areas. MassDEP continues to evaluate remedial options for other properties within the study area where lead and PCBs in shallow soils exceed the regulatory criteria. The Town of Dartmouth continues to work with EPA and MassDEP in public outreach and communication of ongoing activities in the Bliss Corner neighborhood.

See this update from Chris Michaud, Dartmouth's Director of Public Health, at the February 5, 2024 Select Board meeting.


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  • Share Has the EPA provided any estimates of the total cost of the cleanup project, even a ballpark estimate? on Facebook Share Has the EPA provided any estimates of the total cost of the cleanup project, even a ballpark estimate? on Twitter Share Has the EPA provided any estimates of the total cost of the cleanup project, even a ballpark estimate? on Linkedin Email Has the EPA provided any estimates of the total cost of the cleanup project, even a ballpark estimate? link

    Has the EPA provided any estimates of the total cost of the cleanup project, even a ballpark estimate?

    Doug Roscoe asked about 3 years ago

    The EPA has provided an estimated clean up cost of $1,990,000 for the five sites identified in their Request for Removal Action here. 

Page last updated: 12 Feb 2024, 10:50 AM