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Developer says PFAS sampling, floodplain and sewer access stall Bradford mill redevelopment
Summary
First National Development gave the council an update on the former Bradford Dye Association site, saying PFAS contamination, high floodplain elevation and lack of sewer lines have delayed residential plans and prompted bids for demolition of the dilapidated mill building.
A developer updating the Westerly Town Council on April 7 said PFAS contamination at the former Bradford Dye Association (BDA) site and site constraints have stalled plans to redevelop the riverfront mill into housing.
Aurora Lee of First National Development told the council the project faces multiple regulatory and engineering obstacles. “We are not getting any clear guidelines from DEM or EPA on how to proceed,” Lee said, describing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as an emerging but increasingly regulated contamination for which state and federal agencies have not yet issued a predictable remediation path for this site.
Lee said other obstacles include the site’s floodplain and the absence of a sewer main on the street; design of an on-site septic system is challenging because groundwater is near the surface and a sewer connection is “3 miles away” by the town’s system, she said. The developer said the existing 1-story mill is becoming dilapidated and they are collecting bids to demolish portions of the structure for safety; contractors have submitted three bids with two more expected.
The developer said the company prefers residential use and outlined a potential approach that would concentrate new construction near an upgraded septic location. If two identified septic locations are approved by DEM, the developer estimated they could build capacity for roughly 75 bedrooms, counted by bedroom capacity for septic design. Lee cautioned those numbers are conditional on environmental and septic approvals.
Councilors asked about EPA testing and the developer’s timeline. Lee said the EPA completed sampling in December and has not finalized its data package; she said the developer had sent a formal request to DEM for written direction but had not received definitive guidance. The council said it will continue to coordinate with the developer and state regulators; the town solicitor confirmed the EPA is finalizing an expanded site inspection report and that EPA sampling results will be made available when validated.
No council action was taken; the presentation served as an update and to record ongoing coordination with DEM and EPA.
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