MEPA Site Visit
Friday, June 13 at 9 AM - Kings Cove Park, Weymouth (82 Bridge Street)
Many years ago, FRRACS requested a review of contamination at Kings Cove Park (the park located next to the compressor station), through a process at MA DEP called PIP — Public Involvement Program. The park has been polluted with coal ash, arsenic, oil, and other pollutants due to former industry at the site. We are concerned about these pollutants leaking into the nearby bay, soil, and impacting the public who recreate at the park.
We received notice that there will be a site visit at Kings Cove Park on Friday, June 13 at 9:00. This site visit will be led by the office of MEPA (MA Environmental Policy Act) and the consultants overseeing the project, VHB. We encourage people to attend and to bring their questions, comments, and concerns.
If you can’t make it in person, there will be a virtual consultation on the same day, June 13, at 2 pm on Zoom. The Zoom link is available here. We have been told that Chinese interpretation will be available.
RSVPs are requested, though not required. RSVP to Eva Vaughan, eva.vaughan@mass.gov, at least one hour before the meeting.
The full MEPA notice is available for your convenience, below. Word doc versions are available here: English Notice | Chinese Notice
“NOTICE OF SITE VISIT AND REMOTE MEPA CONSULTATION SESSION
FROM: Eva Vaughan – MEPA Office
SUBJECT: Kings Cove Conservation Restriction Area MCP Response Action – WEYMOUTH
EEA NO.: 16955
An Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA, 301 CMR 11.00)) Office for this project. Information about the project, including a link to download the full EENF, can be found at the following address: https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/EEA/MEPA-eMonitor/project/0dc5e8d6-c9e3-4830-a74f-234b1be68b67. To download the filing, select the ‘EENF’ hyperlink under Project Documents, then navigate to ‘Attachments’.
The project requires the preparation of an EIR in accordance with 301 CMR 11.06(7)(b) of the MEPA regulations because it exceeds MEPA thresholds, requires an Agency Action, and is located within one mile of an Environmental Justice (EJ) population. The Proponent, Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, has requested that a Single EIR (in lieu of a Draft and Final EIR) be granted in accordance with the MEPA regulations at 301 CMR 11.06(8). The Proponent has submitted an EENF to support this request.
As described in the EENF, the project consists of the Response Action specified in the Phase IV Remedy Implementation Plan (RIP) for contaminated sediments at the Kings Cove Conservation Restriction Area (KCCRA), as regulated by the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP, 310 CMR 40.0000). Specifically, the project includes the removal and replacement of 630 cubic yards (cy) of sediment/impacted fill within an intertidal area and the extension of an existing rip rap revetment in the northern area of the project site to contain eroding impacted fill in the KCCRA. In connection with the KCCRA Response Action, clean cobble will be placed between the revetment and the area in which fill and sediment will be removed and replaced to create a gradual surficial transition.
The 1.5-acre project site contains the southern portion of the KCCRA, north of Bridge Street. As described in the EENF, the sediment in this area contains elevated levels of nickel and vanadium associated with historic industrial uses at the site. The project will involve the alteration of 37,105 square feet (sf) of Coastal Beach/Land Containing Shellfish, 590 linear feet (lf) of Coastal Bank, and 46,385 sf of LSCSF. The project is expected to improve environmental conditions by addressing the existing contamination on-site. Appropriate mitigation measures will be implemented during project construction, including use of erosion and sedimentation controls, use of a turbidity curtain for in-water work, and restoration of disturbed areas.
The project requires a Chapter 91 License and Permit and 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), a Transportation Access Permit from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and a Section 8(m) Permit from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The EENF indicates that the project exceeds the following ENF thresholds:
301 CMR 11.03(3)(b)(1)(a) – Alteration of coastal dune, barrier beach, or coastal bank
301 CMR 11.03(3)(b)(1))(e) –New fill or structure or Expansion of existing fill or structure, except a pile-supported structure, in a velocity zone or regulatory floodway
301 CMR 11.03(3)(b)(1)(f) – Alteration of ½ or more acres of any other wetlands
A site visit followed by a remote consultation session will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome. Chinese interpretation services will be provided.
The meetings ARE scheduled as follows:
Site VISIT:
DATE: Friday, June 13th
TIME: 9:00 AM
ADDRESS: Kings Cove Park, 82-90 Bridge St, Weymouth, MA
REMOTE Consultation Session:
DATE: Friday, June 13th
TIME: 2:00 PM
MEETING LINK: Zoom Meeting
https://vhb.zoom.us/j/83739748140?pwd=jbRWAyNb9CKT4QT4RXWmIKyHY6aILc.1
Please RSVP to Eva Vaughan at least one hour (but preferably at least one day) before the meeting so we can know to expect/wait for.
PROJECT CONTACT: Erika Johnson – (617) 607-6172 – ejohnson@vhb.com
Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to June 23, 2025. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on June 30, 2025. Deadlines are subject to change. Please check the Environmental Monitor for up-to-date comment period deadlines.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by calling Eva Vaughan at (857) 408-6381.”
