TIVERTON -- Fifteen acres along Cory's Lane near South Watuppa Pond in Fall River was apparently contaminated more than a half-century ago by the former Fall River Gas Co.
The gas company used the area to dispose of fly ash in the 1930s and 1940s, according to a Web site of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Last week, environmental engineers hired by New England Gas Co. asked the state Department of Environmental Management to conduct further testing before proceeding with remedial action. Southern Union, the parent company of New England Gas Co., bought Fall River Gas in 2000.
The same gas company has been cited as a "responsible party" by the DEM for contaminating the North Tiverton neighborhood.
"It is my understanding that when Southern Union stepped in, a considerable amount of progress was made," said Christopher J. Medici, director of communications for New England Gas. "I think that's important to note."
The EPA first became involved in February 1988 because there were allegations of illegal dumping at the site, which is primarily wooded wetlands. Contractors hired by the federal agency completed a site inspection two years later and found cyanide and other hazardous materials.
Further soil testing in 1995 showed cyanide was at 272 parts per million, which is over the current state Department of Environmental Management standard.
The DEM issued a letter of responsibility to Donald Rodriques, owner of the Cory's Lane land off Stafford Road, in 1996. Lawyers for Rodriques contacted Fall River Gas 10 days later seeking "full relief" for the "costs of investigating and remediating this contamination and other damages," read the April 1, 1996 letter.
Subsequent letters in the DEM's files show Rodriques's lawyer was "unable to obtain any commitment from the Fall River Gas Co."
A settlement agreement was not reached until December 2001.
New England Gas then hired Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, a Providence firm, to test the site. Testing occurred in October, November and December of 2002.
A report of its findings was sent to the DEM last week.
VHB observed "blue staining on rocks and gravel, possibly indicative of cyanide impact," in several areas underneath Cory's Lane and within the wooded area on both sides of the road.
Soil samples exceeded state standards for arsenic, cyanide, lead and several other contaminants. Ground water samples exceeded state standards for cyanide and lead. Surface water samples exceeded state standards for copper, zinc, lead and arsenic.
"Several areas exhibiting evidence of historical dumping were observed along Cory's Lane," the report also read. "Evidence of dumping includes soil piles, construction debris, household refuse, empty oil and roofing tar containers, automotive parts and tires. A 55-gallon drum containing a hardened lacquer-like substance was observed in the wooded area near Cory's Lane."
The firm wanted to do additional testing to "more accurately define" the impacted areas and to clarify the "possibility of release to ground water and surface water."
After the testing, VHB recommends installing a cap over the impacted area and upgrading the existing culvert. A ground water and surface water sampling plan will be implemented to monitor ground water and surface water quality.
The firm will also create an environmental land usage restriction plan.
Alisha Pina can be reached by phone at 253-1200 or by e-mail at apinaATprojo.com.
