Danvers On Schedule To Remove Contaminated Soil

DANVERS, MA -- Officials expect to complete the removal of arsenic-contaminated soil near Brown Pond by winter. The arsenic is believed to have come from a tannery that operated upstream from the site before its demolition in the early 1900s. Earlier this year, residents and town officials clashed over where the soil would be stored during the removal process, with the town ultimately scrapping a plan to store it at Pope's Landing.

"Unless winter comes earlier or if something unexpected happens, the cleanup will most likely be completed this construction season, by November or early December," Town Manager Steve Bartha told the Salem News, which first reported this story. The town will continue with restoration of the area during the spring.

The soil is being stored at 7 Canal Street during the cleanup process. The move means Danvers had to delay start of construction of a new public works facility.

For more on this story, see the Salem News. Subscribe to Danvers Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

Patch file photo.