The City of Worcester selected Weston & Sampson to evaluate the conditions and design improvements to the Coes Reservoir Dam, seeking dam rehabilitation; environmental solutions for addressing elevated concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals; and site closure under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP).
Our environmental professionals conducted a Phase I site investigation/assessment, imminent hazard evaluation, and characterization/cleanup in accordance with the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). Pre-characterized in accordance with the self- implementing cleanup provision of TSCA, the site was cleaned up under an Immediate Response Action (IRA) during dam rehabilitation, which required excavation and off- site disposal of 1,200 cubic yards of soil to a TSCA-certified landfill and sampling/ analysis of more than 500 samples for cleanup. Our team completed the Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment (CSA) and risk assessment to support a risk- based cleanup under TSCA for the remaining areas of the property. The site was remediated in accordance with the EPA/MCP and closed under MCP/TSCA in 2011.
Upon reconstruction of the Coes Reservoir Dam, our landscape architecture team developed a master plan and multiple phases of park improvements for public open space lands surrounding Coes Reservoir. Through a collaborated effort of our landscape architects and LSPs, the project, taking advantage of PARC funding, involves cleanup of the former Coes Knife Mill and Dam in conjunction with the park design.
The plan envisioned five interconnected open space properties, creating new and enhanced opportunities for recreation to residents of all ages and abilities. In addition to the dam work and remediation efforts, work at the Coes Reservoir to date includes a pedestrian bridge, relocation of historic structures, parking facilities, design and construction of the city’s premier universally accessible children’s playground, and establishment of a continuous greenway corridor along the western, southern, and eastern edges of Coes Reservoir.
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LOCATION: Worcester, MA
PROJECT FEATURES:
- environmental remediation and follow-on site redevelopment
- passive/active recreational design and construction
- multi-disciplinary collaboration
- PARC funding