Given that Exide Group, Inc. (Exide) will soon begin in-river work for the cleanup of lead in the Mill River sediment, Exide will hold a public informational meeting on October 14, at 7:00 PM in the Board of Education Conference Room, 2nd floor, 501 Kings Highway East, Fairfield to discuss what the public can expect as the cleanup proceeds. All who are interested are welcome to attend. Questions about the public meeting can be directed to the meeting facilitator, Ms. Cindy Cook at 802-272-2829 or ccook@adamantaccord.com.
In 2013, representatives of Exide, the Town of Fairfield, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and FairPLAN participated in discussions facilitated by Ms. Cindy Cook of Adamant Accord, Inc. These discussions lead to a consensus plan for conducting the Mill River cleanup.
The Mill River cleanup will involve hydraulic dredging of sediment, dewatering of sediment using geotextile tubes, and treatment of the filtrate water in the permitted water treatment plant. The dewatered sediment will be taken to a licensed and approved off-site landfill.
The consensus cleanup plan includes extensive measures to protect water quality during the remediation process. State-of-the-art dredging and sediment containment technologies will be employed, in accordance with the DEEP-approved plans and permits. The contractor will conduct a comprehensive monitoring plan to ensure that the water quality of the Mill River is maintained throughout the cleanup process.
First Selectman Mike Tetreau said, “I am pleased we are able to move forward in the cleanup of the Mill River and will do so in the most proper, careful and environmentally sound way. I encourage our community to join me at this important meeting so we continue to make progress.”
“We are pleased to begin the Mill River cleanup activities, and fulfill our commitment to the community and the environment” remarked Exide representative Mr. Ken Money.
“Cleanup of the Mill River sediment will provide vastly improved ecological habitat and recreational benefits. The close coordination between local officials, citizens, Exide and DEEP has contributed to the success of getting to this important moment,” Commented Betsey Wingfield, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.