BETA Creating a Vision for City Pier in Fall River, MA

Situated on the shore of the Taunton River in Fall River, MA, City Pier is a four-acre site with big potential. For nearly a decade, BETA has been involved in clean-up activities to help transform the vacant parcel into an accessible site which could be used for marina, recreation, dining, and waterfront amenities.

Initially, the site was investigated and remediated by the City of Fall River as a Brownfields site and was part of the Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor’s first round of Brownfield Support Team sites. Under EPA and MassDEP oversight and using Brownfield funding, BETA conducted a comprehensive investigation of site soils for the presence of PCBs. Based on the results of the investigation, BETA prepared an EPA Risk-Based Cleanup Plan that included the excavation, removal and consolidation of soils; support and repair of existing seawalls; and the installation of an engineered barrier over remaining soils.

As clean-up activities have resulted in the mitigation of pollutants, a vision is now taking place for City Pier. BETA’s landscape architects and planners have been retained to assist the Fall River redevelopment Authority with developing a vision for the multi-use marina that could include seasonal uses such as a beer garden, open air concerts, artisan vendors, and restaurants. Click here to read an article from The Herald News highlighting the exciting next steps for this project site.

This project is being overseen by Marylou Armstrong, LSP, BETA’s Vice President of Environmental Services. Marylou is the principal decision maker for projects throughout New England. For 35 years, Marylou has designed and implemented remedial activities involving engineered barriers, major excavations of contaminated soil, stabilization of RCRA waste soils, soil vapor extraction systems, and ground water extraction and treatment systems throughout New England.

Marylou has invested her career working with the private, public and non-profit sector promoting compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations while at the same time applying practical and economic solutions for her clients. As a hazardous material and waste management professional, she has worked with both the private and municipal sectors and uniquely understands balancing clients’ business needs with satisfying regulatory requirements. She looks forward to overseeing the next phase of the exciting City Pier project, as she continues to build BETA’s portfolio of environmental services projects throughout New England.