Coal Tar Remediation

Liberty Street

Easthampton, MA

New England Environmental, Inc. (NEE) restoration specialists implemented a wetland restoration plan associated with a coal tar removal and site remediation project in Easthampton, MA. The project required the removal of coal deposits from a pond, and the restoration of this pond and adjacent uplands.  The pond was approximately 1/2 acre and the adjacent uplands approximately 1 acre.  NEE installed native plants at the site and monitored the restoration area for two years, at which project compliance was successfully achieved.

 

Prior to NEE’s site work, the contaminated soil was excavated and removed by the site contractor. NEE then installed 7,000 wetland and upland plants, as specified on the remediation site plan.  Native seed mixes were also sown by NEE throughout the disturbed area.  The portion of the contaminated site that was formerly an isolated pond was restored by installing native aquatic plants. These plants were fenced to minimize loss from waterfowl that returned to the site. 

 

Two sections of contaminated riverbank were also restored by NEE.  Following the removal of contaminated materials, NEE stabilized the disturbed riverbank by installing biodegradable erosion control fabric, appropriate seed mixes and native tree and shrub plantings.  A total of 100 linear feet of riverbank was restored by NEE.

 

 

Conditions within the restored isolated pond one year after planting. 

 

Removal of coal tar deposits from the isolated pond.

Condition of the isolate pond area following excavation of impacted soil and re-grading. 

CASE STUDY

NEE installed native wetland plants, including Sagittaria latifolia, within the isolated pond.  Wildlife fencing was placed around each aquatic plant bed to prevent predation by waterfowl.

 

Ecological Restoration & Construction