Fairfield Offers Update & Test Results on Gould Manor Park

Fairfield, CT - The following is a A Message from First Selectman Mike Tetreau regarding Fairfield's Gould Manor Park... 

As I advised last week, on August 7, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) conducted soil testing along the sidewalk area of Gould Manor Park, on Holland Hill Road, upon learning that contaminated fill may have been used during a sidewalk improvement project in 2013-2014. This analysis was expedited so that I could report to you promptly on the results and what actions might be necessary.

In addition, last week, we engaged Tighe & Bond, a licensed environmental professional (LEP), to guide the Town in investigation of the fill materials and possible future remediation needs.

We have now received the initial DEEP test results. These results show that the material from the sidewalk site is not considered hazardous waste. The tests did show the presence of some contaminants, and Tighe & Bond is conducting further site and lab analysis to determine the need for any interim protective steps, whether there is any direct exposure risks, and to further define needed remediation measures.

I promise to keep you informed as we learn more about the Holland Hill Road site and any further actions that may be taken there.

Beyond that, the following are additional steps we are taking:

We will be testing – on an expedited basis – all other public parks, ballfields and school properties where we know fill was used from the aggregate pile managed by Julian Development during the period 2013-2016. Since December 2016, no material from the fill pile has been used for anything other than to construct a landscaped berm at the DPW facility.

We have established a webpage – fairfieldct.org/filluseissues – to keep you aware of further developments on these issues. This webpage will include the full test results described above. We will also post additional information on the locations to be tested, those results as they become available, and any further actions that will be taken. I encourage you to visit the webpage to learn more about this issue and all that the Town has done since first learning of possible irregularities with Julian Development’s management of the aggregate fill site.

I know that this situation has caused you, your family and neighbors much concern. I want to assure everyone that Town officials – together with the very best outside experts -- are working diligently and with all speed to identify and address any environmental concerns that may exist. Our commitment is to ensure that every park, every ballfield, every school ground, every picnic area is safe for town residents to enjoy.

I will continue to update you on developments as they progress, and I encourage you to continue to follow this situation or reach out to me directly with any questions or comments at firstselectmanffld@fairfieldct.org

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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