The remediation of the former Merriam Manufacturing Company/Durham Manufacturing Company on Main Street is in progress with completion expected by the end of 2011.
The Merriam Manufacturing Company was established in 1851 and manufactured metal displays and boxes, according to the EPA historical timeline of the project. Wastewater containing dissolved organic solvents and paint wastes were disposed of in lagoons from 1973 to 1982. In another area, paint wastes and degreasing solvents were stored on the ground in drums. Most of Merriam Manufacturing Company's facilities burned in 1998, and the company has relocated its operations. The Durham Manufacturing Company was established in 1922 and continues to operate as a manufacturer of metal boxes. Wastewater and waste sludge was disposed of in sludge drying beds, and wastes have also been stored on that site in drums. Many residents in the area are using private wells. The site is less than 0.5 miles from the Coginchaug River to the west and currently borders on the Allyn Brook to the south. A freshwater wetland is located on the Durham Manufacturing Company property.
The site is being addressed in two stages: initial actions and a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
EPA began on-site cleanup work at the Merriam Manufacturing Company Study Area in May 2011 with demolition of the warehouse building in June 2011 and soil excavation in July 2011. EPA expects all soil excavation work to be complete by the end of calendar year 2011.
C-Level. News.
The Magazine