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EPA PUTS SHORE ROAD PROJECT ON HOLD

Release Date: 01/04/2000
Contact Information: Alice Kaufman, EPA Community Affairs Office, (617) 918-1064

Boston - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it will not move ahead with its proposed project to excavate and store contaminated soils from Shore Road at the Contract Plating property or the Raybestos Memorial ballfield. This decision comes after hearing from Stratford residents that they oppose the project and follows a meeting with the Stratford Town Council.

"We have heard from a lot of people over the past few months that the plan that they would rather see is a comprehensive, long-range one that deals with the entire Ferry Creek area, the commercial properties, Raybestos ballfield and the wetlands along the Housatonic River," said John P. DeVillars, EPA's New England administrator. "In the meantime, we will repair the temporary cap that has eroded on Shore Road to minimize citizens' potential exposure to the contaminated soils beneath."

EPA acknowledged that the timeframe to develop a comprehensive cleanup plan is likely to take an additional two to three years to complete. In the interim, EPA, with community and state input, may move forward with short-term cleanup projects as necessary. "This investment in time and consensus-building with community leaders and residents will, in the end, be well worth the delay," said DeVillars.

The agency is working with the Stratford Town Council to set up a community advisory group as a means for residents to actively participate in future decisions regarding cleanup of Raymark waste.

"The town firmly supports EPA's decision and the emphasis of working with community members to continue discussions and work towards a comprehensive plan," said Michael Koperwhats, Chairman of the Stratford Town Council. "We are inviting Stratford citizens who may be interested in becoming actively involved on a community advisory group to call the Town Council Clerk at 385-4035."

"The potential health threats and environmental concerns associated with the Raymark waste must be addressed as quickly and comprehensively as possible," said Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Arthur J. Rocque, Jr. "We will work closely with officials from EPA, the town of Stratford and the public to structure an appropriate long-term cleanup strategy. However, we are interested in ensuring that all immediate concerns are addressed in a timely fashion."

EPA will mail a detailed Raymark Superfund Site fact sheet to 1500 residents of Stratford which provides an overview of where Raymark wastes have been found in Stratford. Copies will also be made available at the library and the Stratford Health Department.

Discussions with the Stratford officials to develop the advisory working group will resume later this month.