Superfund Status Requested For Lower Parts Of Neponset River

MILTON, MA — The Neponset River is in line to get a makeover.

On Wednesday, the federal government proposed adding the lower portion of the Neponset River that travels through Milton, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park to the list of the nation's most contaminated sites.

The Neponset river borders residential, commercial areas, and industrial areas, as well as public parcels including the Neponset River Greenway.

The Environmental Protection Agency cited sediment contamination stemming from the former industrial mills as part of the problem. The EPA added a 3.7 mile stretch of the Lower Neponset River to its list of 13 newly proposed Superfund sites.

A Superfund site could mean more investigation into the river and an eventual cleanup using federal resources.

Studies dating back to 2002 show the sediments in the river are contaminated with elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls - a group of manmade chemicals.

"The serious nature of contamination in the Lower Neponset River warrants its inclusion on the National Priorities List," Baker said in a letter sent to the EPA back in July.

The EPA will hold a virtual public meeting for local residents & other interested parties on Tuesday, October 5.

Details about the virtual public meeting & other site-specific information on the Lower Neponset River will be posted here.

The Lower Neponset River makes up an estimated 40 acres through four communities.