Environmental review flags contamination risks at Mill Pond site; consultant recommends Phase II testing

Tim Anderson of Novus Group told the Ashland Planning Board that a Phase I environmental site assessment for the Mill Pond property identified recognized environmental conditions that require follow-up.

Anderson said inspectors observed improper disposal of drums and other waste piles, urban fill and legacy building debris tied to historic mill and rail uses. He noted prior monitoring-well data where concentrations of arsenic, lead and chromium exceeded New Hampshire ambient groundwater standards in at least one sample, and raised PFAS as a potential concern tied to historical controlled burns and firefighting foams. Anderson recommended a Phase II investigation that would include a series of test pits, characterization of surface waste piles and installation of six new monitoring wells (supplementing four existing wells) to better define soil and groundwater conditions.

Novus said the scope of work was prepared in coordination with New Hampshire DES and EPA under a Brownfields-funded assignment; results and final reports will be publicly available through state repositories. Anderson warned that deeper remediation planning and deed-based activity-use restrictions may be necessary if testing confirms regulated exceedances, and that any long-term management permits or monitoring requirements would be tracked by DES.

Residents pressed how remediation and liability would be handled if hazardous materials are confirmed, and expressed concern about children's exposure. Novus and the applicant said remediation planning, soil-management strategies (such as isolation with geotextile and clean cover), activity-use restrictions and ongoing monitoring would be part of the development process if required.

The board asked the applicant to provide the Phase II work plan and any sampling results in advance of the Feb. 6 continuation so the planning board and the public can review the findings before any decision.