Foxborough Notifies DEP: Neponset Reservoir Pollution Continues

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Town at last Tuesday's selectmen meeting finalized a letter they are sending to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which voices concerns about Schneider Electric.

The town believes Schneider Electric intends to deny its responsibility for pollution in the Neponset Reservoir. The letter was drafted by Town Manager William Keegan, Selectman Mark Elfman and Rick Lewis of the Neponset Reservoir Reclamation Committee. The conservation committee and board of health are also submitting letters to DEP.

“I think overall its been a great collaborative effort,” Elfman said at Tuesday’s selectmen meeting. “Done with very little yelling and screaming.”

The Neponset Reservoir Reclamation Committee is also sending in a second similar letter, along with comments from an expert who looked at the case and a town petition that collected over 600 signatures, the Sun Chronicle Reported.

Pollution of the reservoir was originally found in 2014 before Schneider Electric bought the former electric enterprise, the Foxboro Company. In 2014, it was found that the Foxboro Company had polluted the reservoir with phosphate and heavy metals for years.

Schneider Electric first came before selectmen back in February and said the company beleives no further action is necessary and wanted to close the Neponset Reservoir case. The company held a public forum in July detailing the findings of their internal pollution study.

According to Schneider Electric, the metals are not dangerous, buried in the sediment and will stay there as long as its not disturbed. The selectmen asked to extend public comment into November, which DEP granted.

The Foxborough Board of Selectmen heard from the Neponset Reservoir Reclamation Committee's expert, Paul McManus. He told the board the reservoir is a significant danger to the public welfare and the environment, the Sun Chronicle reported.

The DEP usually responds within 90 days. However, Schneider Electric will need time to review the comments and prepare responses before a decision is made.