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Cleanup to Begin at Former Sanborn Wood Factory in Winchendon, Massachusetts

Release Date: 09/08/2003
Contact Information: Alice Kaufman, EPA Community Affairs (617-918-1064)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will begin a cleanup at a former furniture factory located in the Glenallen Mill on Glenallen Street in Winchendon, MA. EPA will remove drums and containers containing hazardous materials. The cleanup, expected to cost under $300,000, will begin Sept. 15 and is expected to be completed by late October.

At the request of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), EPA conducted a removal site investigation in early August. During the investigation, EPA encountered drums and containers of lacquers, solvents, and other materials in the basement of one of the buildings.

Residents should be aware that cleanup workers may be wearing white coveralls, according to state and federal protection requirements.

"Residents should not be alarmed when they see cleanup workers wearing protective suits," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. "The work does not pose any danger to the surrounding neighborhoods."

The Glenallen Mill, comprised of three single-story wood frame buildings and one three-story brick and wood building was constructed in 1886 and housed various industries throughout its history. The Sanborn Wood Factory most recently manufactured wooden furniture and millwork until abandoning operations in 1992. The mill has remained vacant since that time.