Action by the state and federal government has Walpole officials hopeful that work can finally start on a cleanup of toxic sites, including Blackburn and Union Privileges Superfund site.
On Monday, the state Senate passed a bill establishing the Walpole Economic and Industrial Corporation, four months after Walpole Town Meeting created the development entity. A similar bill passed the House last week.
"If the EDIC is allowed to be set up, it will work on the economic development for our Superfund site," Walpole Health Director Robin Chapell said.
Also on Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with support from the state Department of Environmental Protection, announced the decision on a cleanup plan at an estimated cost of $13 million for the Blackburn property and Union Privileges Superfund site in Walpole. The property was the site of various industries, including a company that processed asbestos.
Larry Pitman, chairman of Economic Development Commission, said the Senate bill, which now goes to Gov. Deval Patrick, will allow the town to work with the EPA in the cleanup plan.
Pitman said because the owner of the site has not paid property taxes for 15 years the corporation "would be a tool for the town to initiate desired options for the property."
"They owe up to $1.3 million to the town of Walpole." Chapell said.
The EDIC could take ownership of such problem sites, move ahead with efforts to clean up the sites, find desirable new uses for the sites, and "substantially increase the associated property taxes payable to the town," Pitman said.
As an independent corporation run by a board appointed by selectmen, the EDIC would also shelter Walpole from any lawsuits arising from the contaminated property.
"The EDIC is a very attractive tool for the town because it allows the town to actively work on sites that are identified as being problems and yet insulates the town from any financial and legal entanglements that could potentially burden the town," Pitman said.
Chapell was hopeful the EPA decision would help get the cleanup started.
"We are hoping the responsible party will be a good faith negotiation with EPA and available to start cleaning up the site." Chapell said.
