Update on National Fireworks Clean-Up 12/19/20
Information from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Posted on: December 19, 2020 - 7:00am
● As part of a MassDEP-managed clean-up effort at the old National Fireworks site in Hanover, a 25-by-25-foot square section of the Site identified on historical maps as a location used historically for the burial of low-level radioactive waste, was investigated for the presence of possible buried radioactive material.
● Prior to the investigation, the surface area above the drum had no detectable radiation above background levels, so there has been no exposure to the public. A work plan was developed with input from MassDEP and MDPH to ensure that the investigation would be conducted safely with respect to the workers and the public.
● The excavation was started on December 14, 2020.
● On December 15, 2020, a 55-gallon drum of material was discovered and found to have low levels of radioactivity, slightly above background. The soil around the drum was sampled and sent to a laboratory to further identify the material. It is anticipated that the soil analytical results will be available in 2 weeks.
● The excavation was then backfilled, covered, and fenced off to prevent inadvertent entry. The surface area above the Site continues to have no detectable radiation above background levels, meaning there continues to be no risk of exposure to the public.
● Upon receipt of the soil analytical results, a plan for excavation, removal, and disposal of the material will be developed by Tetra Tech with oversight by MassDEP and technical assistance by MDPH Radiation Control Program.
● The broader clean-up site is secured by fencing with no trespassing signs and monitored by both security cameras and local police patrols.
● The Hanover Fireworks Site is approximately 240 acres of land historically used for research, development, and manufacture of munitions and pyrotechnics for the US Government.
● Lead, mercury, and certain organic solvents were used during manufacturing and unexploded ordnance has been found on the property. Tetra Tech’s Unexploded Ordnance Team has been excavating the unexploded ordnance and the ordnance has been destroyed on-Site by the State Police Bomb Squad.