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HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CLEANED UP AT DARTMOUTH FINISHING FACILITY IN NEW BEDFORD

Release Date: 07/25/1997
Contact Information: Erin Heskett, (617) 918-1054

BOSTON -- Three months after starting the project, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed the removal of nearly 700 drums of flammable and corrosive chemicals from the former Dartmouth Finishing facility in New Bedford, Mass.

The EPA has removed approximately 563 drums containing dyes and corrosive and ignitible chemicals, including xylene, a toxic flammable compound. Additionally, the EPA shipped 119 drums of chemical product to local manufacturers for re-use.

"Once again, this successful cleanup speaks to our commitment to make neighborhoods around New England safer while enhancing local economies," said John P. DeVillars, administrator of the EPA's New England office. "In identifying re-usable, safely contained chemicals at the facility, we were able to reduce disposal costs by shipping the chemicals directly to manufacturers in the area."

The EPA's cleanup removed an imminent threat to public health in the area. Exposure of local residents and fire fighters to the leaking containers or ignited chemicals could have caused acute chemical burns and/or damage to the lungs and mucous membranes. Short- and long-term exposure to high concentrations of xylene -- found in concentrations as high as 84 percent at the facility -- can cause headaches, dizziness, and a lack of muscle coordination.

"The amounts and types of chemicals left at this facility could have presented a serious public health and environmental risk," said DEP Commissioner David B. Struhs. "Working with EPA and city officials, we were able to give residents of New Bedford confidence that the immediate threats have been removed."

EPA officials inventoried, sampled, and analyzed hazardous substances found in drums and other containers at the facility. In addition to the disposal of 563 drums of chemicals, the EPA trucked off site for disposal 9.5 cubic yards of asbestos, grossly contaminated wood, and lab-packed small containers; 238 contaminated empty drums; and, 431 small containers of waste.

With permission from the City of New Bedford, the EPA discharged from the site approximately 15,000 gallons of waste water to the city's treatment system. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is also planning to remove several thousand gallons of oil from an underground storage tank at the site.

During an inspection of the facility in 1995, the MADEP found a host of flammable and corrosive chemicals, dyes, and other substances left by the former company. During a follow-up inspection this January by the EPA, MADEP and representatives from the City of New Bedford, officials confirmed the presence of hazardous chemicals including acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and xylene. The presence of these chemicals, the collapsing condition of the roof, and a history of fire and vandalism prompted the EPA to take action.

In 1992, the Dartmouth Finishing Company processed an estimated 30 million square yards of textile material. Fabrics were bleached, dyed, and colored at the facility until the company declared bankruptcy in April, 1995.