Diane (federal grants program) told the advisory committee that EPA headquarters recently approved an early removal action for the first reach of the Lower Neponset River to address PCB‑contaminated sediments and floodplain soils; the plan includes removal where PCBs exceed 1 mg/kg, capping where goals cannot be met and limited sediment and soil removal near a deteriorating dam. Diane cited a total estimated cost of $78,500,000 for the removal action.

Diane also reported that EPA Region 1 presented the former National Fireworks site in Hanover to the national listing panel; the site, active in explosives and fireworks manufacture from approximately 1907 to 1970, has demonstrated risks from munitions, mercury, lead and VOCs. Approximately $70,000,000 has been spent on assessment and removal to date, funded by PRPs and a bankruptcy settlement; MassDEP said the listing could occur within about a year.

Michelle Craddock (Natural Resource Damages coordinator) summarized NRD program activity: the agency manages 14 active NRD cases and oversees 12 active grant awards funded by settlements. She highlighted a $2,100,000 NRD settlement at the SHVAC landfill site in Norton and Attleboro that resolves NRD claims and will fund restoration projects, and she named the Kirven Park wetland and floodplain restoration (about 13 acres in Pittsfield) as an upcoming restoration implementation.

Diane added a Brownfields update: MassDEP is using two Brownfields grants totaling about $6,000,000 to support assessment and cleanup work across 23 projects statewide and is prioritizing projects with municipal benefit and housing potential.

Ending

DEP encouraged stakeholders to consult posted materials and contact regional coordinators or named staff (for Brownfields, David Foss) for site‑specific questions. No formal actions or votes were taken at the meeting.