PCB Investigation, Remediation & Visioning for City Pier

Situated on the shore of the Taunton River, 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. The investigation included over 400 soil borings and laboratory analysis of over 700 soil samples.

Based on the results of the investigation, BETA prepared an EPA Risk-Based Cleanup Plan that included the excavation and removal of soils with greater than 100 ppm of PCBs, the support and repair of existing seawalls, and the installation of an engineered barrier over soils to remain on-site with PCBs greater than 1 ppm.

While Authority develops its vision for the property, they have identified the importance of the pier to the community and the need to provide waterfront access. BETA worked with the Authority to develop a plan for temporary improvements that will give the public access to this beautiful part of the City. The plan includes well lit pedestrian walkways with ample seating and access to a floating dock.