Remediation Plan Calls for Capping of Seagram's Land

Developer John Vontran has submitted to the state an environmental remediation plan for the former Seagram's property that calls for capping the land to reduce the possibility of toxic exposure.

Vontran, who hopes to build a mixed-use development on the property at 7101 Sollers Point Road, is participating in the Maryland Department of the Environment's Voluntary Cleanup Program for contaminated parcels known as brownfields.

About 50 people attended a meeting Tuesday night at the North Point Library to hear a synopsis of the a cleanup plan he has submitted to the state and to ask questions and express concerns.

An evaluation of the property found several contaminants, including arsenic and copper, in levels that exceed safety standards.

Vontran is proposing sealing off the contaminants by capping the land.

The action plan governs the 12-acre site from "boundary to boundary," according to Denise Sullivan, who works for the firm that developed the action plan on Vontran's behalf.

MDE still has about 40 days to assess the plan, review public and written comments and issue a decision on the proposal, Sullivan said.

From MDE:

Anyone wishing to request more information or make comments regarding the proposed RAP must do so in writing. Comments or requests should be submitted to the attention of the Voluntary Cleanup Program project manager, Barbara Brown, at the Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 625, Baltimore, Maryland 21230; telephone 410-537-3493.

All comments and requests must be received by the department in writing no later than July 28.