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Board discusses landfill contamination, CDC involvement and grant options as testing continues
Summary
At the Jan. 27 Gardner Board of Health meeting officials discussed limited functioning of landfill pumps, the need for more groundwater testing for 1,4-dioxane, engagement with CDC and MassDEP technical assistance grants, and requests for municipal action and funding to support investigations and remediation planning.
Board members and residents pressed for faster testing and clearer responsibility on contamination near the city landfill during the Gardner Board of Health meeting Jan. 27.
Staff reported that the landfill has six pump stations but only two pumps are functioning at present. "Currently at the landfill, there are 6 pumps. Currently only 2 of the 6 are working," staff said, describing chambers with pump/backups and recent repairs where sediment was removed from a pump chamber.
Board members tied the pump issues to ongoing concerns about 1,4-dioxane and groundwater management. Staff said they will research whether existing contracts covered pump repairs and whether funding exists to restore full pump capacity. The board also said it would invite a Centers for Disease Control representative to the next meeting; staff identified Phil Jagoda as the CDC contact who previously worked with the city on earlier testing efforts.
Residents and property owners urged quicker action. Alan Russo, who identified himself as a buyer of property near the landfill, asked whether records of an interdepartmental meeting (DPW, conservation, health) were public and whether the mayor would commit city resources. One resident noted media reporting and urged the mayor to use municipal funds to expedite testing; another attendee said the city has available funds but cautioned that using budget numbers requires further verification.
Staff and board members discussed seeking outside help. They noted a MassDEP Technical Assistance Grant (MassDEP) could provide support for investigation planning; staff said eligibility questions remain because guidance for so-called "forever chemicals" is evolving. The board discussed engaging a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) to determine source and extent and requested serial testing and expanded sampling locations if funding is secured.
Board members said the compound is currently a reportable contaminant and that there is no automatic remediation mandate under current rules; if a remediation requirement is triggered by further findings or agency orders, the board said it would follow statutory processes. "This chemical is…just a reportable contaminant at this point," a board member said.
Staff also reported efforts to digitize records and improve interdepartmental coordination to speed information sharing. The board asked staff to follow up with MassDEP grant timelines, obtain CDC availability, compile a list of specific technical questions for outside experts, and prepare an agenda for the next meeting that includes CDC and any recommended LSP proposals.
