In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the successful remediation of a former industrial site in Fairfield, previously operated by Exide Battery, which had been heavily polluted for over 30 years. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were involved in the cleanup process, which included the removal of 11 acres of contaminated sediment from the Mill River and extensive groundwater monitoring.

The remediation efforts, praised by stakeholders including local committees and elected officials, resulted in the site being cleaned to residential standards, a significant achievement for an area with such a troubled history. DEEP issued a completion certificate in 2020, confirming that no further remediation was necessary and releasing the site from financial assurance and liability requirements.

The meeting also introduced plans for a new commercial development on the site, which is expected to generate substantial tax revenue and create jobs. The proposed project includes a 49,000 square foot building with a significant public access area along the river, which will be dedicated to passive recreation. The development is designed to comply with coastal area management requirements, including the installation of stormwater management systems to protect the Mill River from runoff pollution.

Concerns were raised regarding public access to the waterfront, with discussions about the safety and usability of the area. The public access will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM, allowing for passive recreational activities, although active uses such as swimming or boating will not be permitted initially due to liability considerations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a collaborative effort to transform a previously hazardous site into a valuable community asset, balancing environmental restoration with economic development.