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EPA to Begin Work in Salem Neighborhood

Release Date: 10/02/2002
Contact Information: Alice Kaufman, EPA Press Office, 617-918-1064

Boston - EPA New England has set aside $400,000 to begin work to cleanup arsenic contamination at residential properties in the Witchcraft Heights neighborhood in Salem, Massachusetts.

Since late July, EPA has been sampling soils at residences on Puritan Road, Brentwood Avenue, Frederick Street, Carrollton Street Ext., Bedford Street, Belleview Ave., Gable, Gallows, and Pioneer circles, Ord St., and Witchcraft Rd. In total, EPA has taken samples for analysis from 41 properties. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requested EPA's assistance in the investigation of possible contamination on residential properties.

The city of Salem identified, and is removing, 500 tons of arsenic- and chromium-contaminated material in an area where they were working during renovations of the Witchcraft Elementary School. This material is believed to have been dumped on the property by a former tannery prior to development. Additional sampling revealed contamination extending to residential properties abutting the school.

EPA anticipates excavating and/or capping contaminated soils at two properties where, based on a risk assessment provided by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, sample results indicate elevated levels of arsenic. EPA will conduct air monitoring during excavation and the soils will be kept wet to keep dust levels down. All properties will be restored and re-landscaped following the cleanup.

EPA and representatives of the city and the state Department of Environmental Protection met with residents to inform them of sampling that was planned. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled this fall.