On Monday, March 18, 2024, Strategic Environmental Services will begin to mobilize for the cleanup of the historic 'farm dump' located at Breakneck Hill Conservation Land (BHCL). During work which is expected to take several weeks, the Community Gardens parking lot and adjacent trail will be closed to the public for safety until the project is complete. Closed trails will be roped off and visitors should pay attention and follow signage on prohibited areas.
Beginning on Monday 3/18 the contractor will begin to install erosion controls, construction fencing, temporary construction access road, and trimming or clearing of areas within the roadway so that machinery and trucks can fit through and have places to park.
We expect by April 1st the land clearing within the dump area to commence. The contractor will begin by clearing and mulching all brush and smaller vegetation and then cutting larger trees that will be stockpiled onsite. Once all vegetation and trees have been removed, the contractor will begin to excavate the soil in accordance with the DEP approved Cleanup Plan. Solid waste will be separated from soils, temporary staged, and then placed in trucks to be hauled away to a proper disposal facility.
The Town has also hired TRC Environmental to oversee the Cleanup Actions to ensure proper soil and material testing, work is done according to the approved plan, and overall compliance with DEP Solid Waste & Asbestos Regulations.
Note that periodic testing throughout the last twenty years has shown no hazardous material or threat to public health.
A description of the history and list of approved plans and information can be found by clicking here.
Questions can be directed to the Conservation Agent, Melissa Danza, at mdanza@southboroughma.com or by calling 508-281-8984. The Conservation Commission & Stewardship Committee appreciate your patience during this time. Completion of this work will be extremely beneficial to the property by ensuring protection of our watershed and groundwater, removal of solid waste, and continued recreational opportunities at BHCL!
