Air Quality

Air pollution is a hazard that can come from sources both inside and outside your home. Common sources of air pollution include cars and machinery, burning of materials, aerosol sprays, and industrial sources. Air pollution can increase your risk for developing or worsening existing health conditions. 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool developed by the US EPA to measure and report air quality. For a detailed breakdown of the index and its descriptions, click here.

• For more information on air quality in Massachusetts, click here.
• Air Pollution and Your Health

Radon

Radon is colorless, odorless radioactive gas, that is naturally released in the environment.  Radon is a known carcinogen that can build up in the air in homes and buildings. 

• For more information, visit the Massachusetts radon website. 
• Contact the Massachusetts Radon Office for testing or purchase a test kit in a hardware store or online

PFAS

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of synthetic compounds. Exposure is associated with a higher risk of health complications including certain types of cancers, reduced immunize response, and pregnancy complications.

PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to environmental breakdown. They can move through soil, contaminate drinking water, and build up, or bio-accumulate, in fish and wildlife.

Resources

• Massachusetts offers a guide to PFAS-free purchasing resources, for more information click here.
• Information on Massachusetts' response to PFAS, click here.
• Information on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s response to PFAS, click here.
• Information on different types of PFAS chemicals can be found on the PFAS family tree. 
• If you are a private well owner, click here for more information.

Nonantum Groundwater Investigation

In 2014, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) reopened an investigation concerning a property on West St. that was once a used auto parts operation that had elevated concentration of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the groundwater. Monitoring wells were placed to identify the levels of TCE and the extent of the contamination.

Upon receiving permission from occupants, MassDEP tested over 160 buildings for the presence of TCE vapors. Over 93% of homes/buildings tested negative for TCE vapors. If found, sub slab systems were installed.

There are currently two separate sites under investigation: 320 Nevada St/459-471 Watertown St., and 80-90 Bridge St. Each site has licensed site professionals (LSPs) who direct contingency plan assessments and cleanup activities, in accordance with MassDEP policies. These sites are Public Involvement Plan sites which require annual public meetings held for each site that allow for public comment on certain documents.

320 Nevada St. and 459-471 Watertown St. Site Information

• Copies of presentation slides and draft documents are available HERE using Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-0033794.
• Arcadis (Licensed Site Professional) Contact
  • Tais Santos Ingraham, Project Manager
  • tais.ingraham@arcadis.com
• MassDEP Bureau of Waste site cleanup, Northeast Regional Office Contact
  • Tiffany Duhl, PhD, Environmental Analyst
  • tiffany.duhl@mass.gov

80-90 Bridge St. Site Information

• Copies of presentation slides and draft documents are available HERE using Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-0030276.
• WSP USA Environment and Infrastructure Inc. Contact
  • Matt Grove, PhD, LSP, Senior Associate Geochemist & Senior Project Manager
  • matt.grove@wsp.com
• MassDEP Bureau of Waste site cleanup, Northeast Regional Office Contact
  • Sara Knowles, Environmental Engineer
  • sara.knowles@state.ma.us, 978-447-4890

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