Submit a Public Comment for Kings Cove Park Cleanup

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.

MEPA conducted a site visit at Kings Cove Park on Friday, June 13. This site visit was led by the office of MEPA (MA Environmental Policy Act) and the consultants overseeing the project, VHB.

In addition to the site visit, MEPA is accepting public comment on this matter. We encourage you to submit comments. We have provided a guide on how to submit comments, as well as sample text. You can access that guide here and below: Word | PDF

📬 Public Comment on EENF for Kings Cove Conservation Restriction Area MCP Response Action

Comments due by June 23, 2025

For more info about the project, visit the EEA site here.

Submit via email to MEPA Analyst Eva Vaughan at eva.vaughan@mass.gov

Suggested Comments:

To: Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
RE: Kings Cove Cleanup and Public Access Project –

Dear Secretary Tepper and MEPA Office,

I am writing in support of the Kings Cove Conservation Restriction Area MCP Response Action in Weymouth, Massachusetts. I appreciate the work being done to clean up hazardous materials at the site and restore the shoreline, and I offer the following comments to help ensure the project maximizes its environmental and public benefits.

✅ Support for Cleanup and Cobble Beach Installation

I support the project’s efforts to clean up Kings Cove beach, prevent the erosion of contaminated materials, and place clean cobble to stabilize and restore the shoreline. This action will improve water quality, protect the shoreline, and support ecological resilience.

🚶‍♀️ Ensure Park Access During Construction

Access to the park should be maintained throughout construction whenever safely possible. Any closures should be temporary and limited to areas where work is actively occurring. Continued community access is essential to ensure the public can enjoy this waterfront resource during construction.

🌳 Add Tree Canopy to Increase Climate Resilience

Given the site’s vulnerability to extreme heat and limited tree cover, I encourage the inclusion of a tree planting plan to enhance shade, reduce temperatures, and improve carbon sequestration. This would help achieve climate resilience goals and improve visitor comfort.

🐝 Include Native and Pollinator-Friendly Landscaping

Please consider planting native vegetation and incorporating pollinator-friendly species in the restored areas. These efforts will promote biodiversity, improve ecological value, and reduce long-term maintenance needs.

🚫 Confirm Removal of Barbed Wire Fence

I support the removal of the barbed wire fence between the sidewalk and the road. It is a visual barrier and an unnecessary element in a public park. Can the project team please confirm that its removal is included in the site restoration plans?

🧭 Support for Public Access to the North Parcel

I strongly support continued efforts by the Town, Calpine, and Enbridge to formalize public access to the North Parcel. This land has significant potential for recreation and education, and securing safe public access should remain a long-term priority.

🔄 Advance the Connector Trail to Complete a Waterfront Loop

I also support the concept of creating a connector trail across MWRA property to link the West Waterfront Easement to the rest of the park. This would establish a full loop trail along the waterfront—a major asset for the community—and I urge all agencies to prioritize this opportunity.

🙌 Conclusion

Thank you for your attention to this important project. The Kings Cove cleanup is a critical opportunity to restore a damaged coastal area while improving public access and climate resilience. I urge the project team to continue engaging the public and incorporating these enhancements into final plans.