MAY 15, 2015--On May 11, 2015, NOAA released a Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment [PDF], opening a public comment period, for the former coal tar processing facility adjacent to the Island End River in Everett, Massachusetts.

The Draft Restoration Plan identifies and evaluates a range of restoration alternatives that will restore the sub-tidal habitat and aquatic species that were significantly impacted from wastewater discharge in the river. The preferred restoration project will restore salt marsh habitat to address fish species injuries resulting from the hazardous waste release. From the 1890s to the late 1950s, coal tar produced from a manufactured gas plant was released to adjacent soil, groundwater, sediment, and surface water, including the tidally influenced Island End River. Tar deposits impacted aquatic habitat for bottom-dwelling organisms and fish that use this tidal river habitat. NOAA will accept public comments through June 19, 2015. For more information, contact Eric.Hutchins@noaa.gov. Go back to OR&R Weekly Report.