Few people are aware that a handful of places in Massachusetts are actually radioactively contaminated. The Wall Street Journal conducted a survey of potentially radioactive areas in Massachusetts and the findings have been released.
The following sites are classified by the survey as “cleanup in progress,” “cleanup complete,” “status unclear/referred to another agency” and “remote to no possibility for contamination.” We’ve included more information about the most contaminated sites below, as well as a full list of Massachusetts sites with radioactive history.
The Wall Street Journal
Shpack Landfill, Norton
Google Maps According to government records, this site was contaminated by uranium and the cleanup process is still underway. The landfill was closed in 1965 but a local citizen discovered elevated radiation levels at the site in 1978. Government officials examined the site and confirmed the presence of radioactivity and extensive uranium contamination. In 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concluded that the potential existed for significant residual radiation. Plans for after the cleanup include converting the area to a fenced-in wildlife habitat.
Metals and Controls Corp., Attleboro
Google Maps Nuclear fuel fabrication occurred here during the 1950s and 1960s. It’s unclear whether the work was related to nuclear weapons production, but the site was contaminated by uranium. The Department of Energy considered cleaning this site up but eventually determined that it did not have the authority to do so. In 1997, the NRC declared that the site met the criteria for unrestricted use. This site is located East of Forest St., between Haggerty Highway and Perry Ave.
Ventron Corporation, Beverly
Google Maps The Ventron Corporation provided uranium metal production under contract from 1942 to 1948. It is reported as having been contaminated by radium, thorium and uranium. Cleanup efforts have been underway since the 1980s. In 2011, a plan to turn the site into condominiums fell through due to financial reasons. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that potential existed for significant residual radiation from 1949 to 1985 and from 1987 to 1995.
Nuclear Metals, Inc., Cambridge & West Concord
Google Maps Nuclear Metals, Inc. produced natural uranium tubes for the savannah River reactor program and produced power reactor fuel. It began operations in 1954 in conjunction with the MIT Metallurgical Laboratory. In 1958, it moved from Cambridge to Concord. The Department of Energy considered cleaning this site up but eventually determined that it did not have the authority to do so. In 2011, it was reported that this facility is on the USEPA National Priority Listing (NPL) and is undergoing cleanup. This site is located at 2229 Main St.
Chapman Valve, Indian Orchard, Springfield
Google Maps Chapman Valve in Springfield produced natural uranium rods beginning in 1948. In 1991, a radiological survey revealed uranium contamination on the floors, walls and overhead beams. In 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health stated that the potential existed for significant residual radiation from 1950 to 1994. In 1995, the site was reported as having met criteria for unrestricted use. The current property owner asserts there is no longer any radiation contamination.
Engelhard Industries, Plainville
Google Maps This site formerly handed uranium for metal fabrication purposes. The current owner states that the site is currently undergoing a cleanup. The site has been fenced off to prevent any unnecessary human contact, and plans for removing residual radioactive materials are being drawn up. This site is located at 30 Taunton Street, Route 152.
Watertown Arsenal, Watertown
Google Maps This site is located in the Watertown Mall Area. It was used in the 1940s and 1950s by M.I.T. for activities involving natural and depleted uranium. Building 421 was used for experimental uranium oxide production. The Department of Energy considered cleaning this site up but eventually determined that it did not have the authority to do so. The status of the cleanup here is unclear.
The sites below are classified by the government as having a remote or no potential for radioactive contamination, but still were exposed to radioactive contaminants like uranium and thorium.
The Wall Street Journal
Google Maps
According to government records, this site was contaminated by uranium and the cleanup process is still underway. The landfill was closed in 1965 but a local citizen discovered elevated radiation levels at the site in 1978. Government officials examined the site and confirmed the presence of radioactivity and extensive uranium contamination. In 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concluded that the potential existed for significant residual radiation. Plans for after the cleanup include converting the area to a fenced-in wildlife habitat.
Nuclear fuel fabrication occurred here during the 1950s and 1960s. It’s unclear whether the work was related to nuclear weapons production, but the site was contaminated by uranium. The Department of Energy considered cleaning this site up but eventually determined that it did not have the authority to do so. In 1997, the NRC declared that the site met the criteria for unrestricted use. This site is located East of Forest St., between Haggerty Highway and Perry Ave.
The Ventron Corporation provided uranium metal production under contract from 1942 to 1948. It is reported as having been contaminated by radium, thorium and uranium. Cleanup efforts have been underway since the 1980s. In 2011, a plan to turn the site into condominiums fell through due to financial reasons. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that potential existed for significant residual radiation from 1949 to 1985 and from 1987 to 1995.
Nuclear Metals, Inc. produced natural uranium tubes for the savannah River reactor program and produced power reactor fuel. It began operations in 1954 in conjunction with the MIT Metallurgical Laboratory. In 1958, it moved from Cambridge to Concord. The Department of Energy considered cleaning this site up but eventually determined that it did not have the authority to do so. In 2011, it was reported that this facility is on the USEPA National Priority Listing (NPL) and is undergoing cleanup. This site is located at 2229 Main St.
Chapman Valve in Springfield produced natural uranium rods beginning in 1948. In 1991, a radiological survey revealed uranium contamination on the floors, walls and overhead beams. In 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health stated that the potential existed for significant residual radiation from 1950 to 1994. In 1995, the site was reported as having met criteria for unrestricted use. The current property owner asserts there is no longer any radiation contamination.
This site formerly handed uranium for metal fabrication purposes. The current owner states that the site is currently undergoing a cleanup. The site has been fenced off to prevent any unnecessary human contact, and plans for removing residual radioactive materials are being drawn up. This site is located at 30 Taunton Street, Route 152.
This site is located in the Watertown Mall Area. It was used in the 1940s and 1950s by M.I.T. for activities involving natural and depleted uranium. Building 421 was used for experimental uranium oxide production. The Department of Energy considered cleaning this site up but eventually determined that it did not have the authority to do so. The status of the cleanup here is unclear.
Ashland
- Fenwal Inc.
Cambridge
- Harvard University Electron Accelerator
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hood Building
- National Research Corporation
Boston
E.B. Badger
Edgerton Germeshausen & Grier, Inc.: This site was used to research, development and manufacturing of weapons systems between 1950 and 1953. Radioactive materials were handled at this site, but surviving documents do not specify what materials those were. The cleanup status of this site is unclear. The site is located at 160 Brookline Avenue.
Manufacturing Laboratories, Inc.
Tracerlab, Inc., Boston: This site was used for research and development regarding uranium irradiation during the early 1950s. Cesium and uranium contamination is assumed. The current status of this site is unknown, as there no longer appears to be a 130 High Street.
National Research Corporation: Potential exists for significant residual radiation from 1953 to 1987. Records indicate that a “shack” used for weapons-related production which tested positive for significant residual contamination was demolished and replaced with an apartment building sometime prior to 1987.
Graniteville
- C.G. Sargent & Sons
Hudson
- La Pointe Machine and Tool Co.
Medford
- Tufts College
West Hanover
- American Potash & Chemical
Woburn
- Woburn Landfill
Winchester
- Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center
Worcester
Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center
- Heald Machine Co.
- Reed Rolled Thread Co.
- Norton Co.
Please note that this list is for informational purposes only and may not be exhaustive. Many of these sites have been declared safe by government authorities. Always follow the safety recommendations of your local and state authorities.
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