Celebrating Completion of Lewis Chemical Site Cleanup in Hyde Park
On Oct. 4, 2024, staff from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gathered with federal, state, and local elected officials for a significant press event along the Neponset River in Hyde Park.
The reason for their assembly? To celebrate the completion of the cleanup at the Lewis Chemical Site, the start of cleanup at the Riverside Square Site, and significant progress along the Lower Neponset River Superfund Site. Over the past two years, the EPA has removed over 5,000 tons of contaminated soil from the property, which was previously used to collect, transport, and store hazardous wastes.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the importance of celebrating the completion of the cleanup, highlighting the progress made by the Superfund program along the Lower Neponset in Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Milton. She also acknowledged that more work is needed, including the upcoming cleanup at the Riverside Square site (also in Hyde Park) later this year.
The event was also attended by key environmental leaders and community members, including Vivien Morris, a member of the Lower Neponset River Community Advisory Group. Morris expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration to clean up the Lower Neponset River, emphasizing the importance of addressing the environmental pollution that has impacted communities like Hyde Park and Mattapan for decades.
- Read more about the Lewis Chemical site (EPA).
- Read about Phase 2 of the Superfund Cleanup (The Bay State Banner)
NepRWA’s Role in the Lewis Chemical Cleanup Project
Over a decade ago, NepRWA helped form a Community Advisory Council to oversee the Lewis Chemical site at the request of local volunteers, when it was being managed under state hazardous waste regulations.
While the two dedicated individuals who championed this effort are no longer with us, they would have been thrilled to witness the progress celebrated at today’s event and the transformation of the site.
We look forward to discussions around the future of this site, which we hope will include riverfront access, a canoe launch, and more once this section of the Neponset is cleaned up.
For more information, email NepRWA Executive Director, Ian Cooke, at cooke@neponset.org
