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City begins site characterization after soil contamination found at former public works site
Summary
Rochester officials told the committee that demolition and preliminary testing at the former public works facility uncovered petroleum‑saturated soils; state regulators have required an initial site characterization and groundwater monitoring to determine extent and next steps for redevelopment.
Director Norris told the Public Works & Buildings Committee on May 15 that demolition of the former public works facility (built c.1950) revealed petroleum contamination in soils beneath the building and adjacent salt shed and oil storage areas. A phase‑1 and phase‑2 environmental assessment previously documented recognized environmental conditions; subsequent field work identified contaminated soil and hydraulic fluids at depths the city estimates begin about 6 feet below ground.
Norris said the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) Oil Remediation Bureau has classified the city as a responsible party and has ordered an initial site characterization that will include test pits, borings and groundwater monitoring wells to define contaminant boundaries and potential…
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