Crews Begin Demolition Work, Paving Way For New Brookfield Housing

BROOKFIELD, CT — Demolition began Tuesday morning at the contaminated site at 20 Station Road, the first step to a mixed-use housing development at the location.

"After the building is leveled the contractor will sample the debris, segregate hazardous from non-hazardous materials, transfer the materials into dumpsters for transportation to approved waste management sites," Brookfield Economic Development Specialist Greg Dembowski said in an email. "When all this is complete the site will be prep'd for groundwater and soil remediation."

The two-plus acres Station Road tract is the largest contaminated plume in Brookfield. The town received a $1.2 million state grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development in December 2022 to fund its remediation.

In order to receive the funds, the town was required to secure a redevelopment partner and ensure the site would be used for housing in accordance with local zoning regulations. The parcel lies within a mixed-use zone allowing for residential and commercial development.

A contaminated plume refers to a body of groundwater that has been polluted by a specific type of contaminant, often liquid, that has migrated through the soil and aquifer. The contaminants at the site are remnants of dry-cleaning chemicals, including chlorinated solvents. Cleanup plans include the removal of all impacted soil and treatment of bedrock to neutralize any remaining pollutants. The goal is to complete soil removal when the water table is at its lowest point, likely in October.

See Also: Brookfield Begins Cleanup Of Contaminated Site To Pave Way For Housing