Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Updated Community Involvement Plan for the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

An updated Community Involvement Plan (CIP) from the EPA on the BJAT, LLC. property, 300 Fisher St.


"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this Community Involvement Plan (CIP) based predominantly upon input gathered through interviews with Town of Franklin (Franklin) officials and residents, along with other stakeholders interested in the BJAT, LLC. Superfund1 Site (Site). EPA’s goals for community involvement at the Site are:

  • To provide the public with accurate, timely, accessible, and understandable information about the project as it moves forward;
  • To provide opportunities for the public to become actively involved, especially when decisions about the cleanup are being made;
  • To enlist the support and involvement of local officials and community leaders; and
  • To encourage, respect and fully consider community input as the project moves forward.

EPA will achieve these goals through various means, including published documents, meetings, presentations, and community conversations. These activities will be based on the community’s needs, as informed by those with whom EPA met while preparing this plan, as well as all legal requirements.

The CIP is a living document and, as necessary and appropriate, it will be updated with community input. If you are interested in suggesting changes to this plan or have questions about it, please contact:

Kimberly White, P.E.
Remedial Project Manager
(617) 918-1752
white.kimberly@epa.gov

ZaNetta Purnell, MPH
Community Involvement Coordinator
(617) 918-1306
Purnell.zanetta@epa.gov





Updated Community Involvement Plan for the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site
Updated Community Involvement Plan for the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Volunteer Needed for the Charles River Pollution Control District Board

The Charles River Pollution Control is in need of a new member! The Board usually meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 PM. If you are interested please apply.

To apply please fill out the online volunteer form

For more information on the Charles River Pollution Control please visit: http://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/volunteer-needed-charles-river-pollution-control

"The Charles River Pollution Control District is a regional wastewater treatment plant located in Medway, Massachusetts. The facility provides tertiary treatment of wastewater and septage from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources from the Towns of Medway, Franklin, Bellingham, and Millis. Septage is also accepted from the Towns of Norfolk, Sherborn, Dover, Wrentham, Weston, Holliston, and Sharon. The treated effluent discharges into the Upper Charles River and is regulated by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which is jointly enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The facility is designed to treat 5.7 million gallons per day (mgd). 
The Charles River Pollution Control District treats the communities' wastewater by performing several physical, chemical and biological processes before discharging the environmentally safe water into the Charles River. The wastewater is treated to meet the EPA's discharge permit limitations. 
The collection system consists of Town and District owned sewer pipes. The system has over 238 miles of sewer pipes and 37 pump stations, including approximately 13 miles of District owned interceptors and one District owned pump station. 
The District manages a Geographic Information System (GIS) that is used to support the operation and maintenance activities of the Sewer Collection System."
screen image from https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/
screen image from https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

"a measured track forward to reducing pollution"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"THE ISSUE: Citing ongoing litigation, the Environmental Protection Agency has delayed new stormwater regulations intended to strengthen clean water protections in Massachusetts. THE IMPACT: The regulations, which are delayed one year, would affect 260 Massachusetts communities. 
Reactions have been mixed following the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that it’s delaying a controversial permitting system intended to protect rivers and ponds by better controlling stormwater runoff. 
The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems permit, or MS4, would require 260 Massachusetts cities and towns to develop new stormwater management programs to satisfy the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act. Under the updated permit requirements, municipal governments would need to implement control measures to detect and eliminate illicit sewer connections to existing stormwater drains, conduct education and outreach programs, and manage runoff from construction sites and new developments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170724/controversial-stormwater-permit-delayed/1


Franklin has been working closely with the EPA to prepare for the regulation and samples from the archives show this

Recognition of Franklin's efforts in Aug 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/the-fight-against-phosphorus-is-ongoing.html

Garden Club in 2015 held meeting on rain gardens
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/franklin-garden-club-meeting-on_30.html


rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in
rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Franklin is in good company

How does Franklin fit in this listing of major US cities?
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Shoreline, Washington
  • Long Island City, New York
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Houston, Texas
  • Franklin, Massachusetts
The EPA recently published "Green Infrastructure in Parks: A Guide to Collaboration, Funding, and Community Engagement" Each of the communities listed were a case study to demonstrate how to implement green infrastructure in parks.


Case Study: Starting with a Small-Scale Project at Fletcher Field 
Franklin, Massachusetts 
In the town of Franklin, Massachusetts, a rain garden was installed at Fletcher Field, a multi-use park that includes a playground, a baseball field, and basketball court, and picnic area. Installation of this rain garden with native shrubs and plants provided aesthetic improvements while simultaneously capturing runoff from the parking lot. This project was constructed in 2010 at a cost of $16,000. The town was able to maximize resources by having Department of Public Works crews install the soils, mulches, signs, and plants. This project highlights multiple benefits of implementing green infrastructure: the opportunity for site-specific stormwater management, improvement of green space for the community to enjoy, and public education.

You can review the full publication here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/green-infrastructure-in-parks-guide-to.html

rain garden at Fletcher Field, Wachusett St side of park

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Green Infrastructure in Parks: A Guide to Collaboration, Funding, and Community Engagement

INTRODUCTION 
"This guide is intended to encourage partnerships between park agencies and stormwater agencies aimed at promoting the use of green infrastructure on park lands. Green infrastructure can help to maximize the environmental, economic, and social benefits of parks. By building strong partnerships, agencies can improve park lands and access to parks, better manage stormwater, increase community resiliency to shifting weather patterns, and provide funding to implement and maintain park enhancements that benefit the community. 
The guide offers information on why partnerships between stormwater managers and parks managers can be beneficial and how you can create such partnerships. The guide presents an overview of green infrastructure and describes practices that can be used to manage stormwater in parks. In addition, you will find information on factors that influence the selection of appropriate green infrastructure practices, such as maintenance requirements. 
The guide is designed to provide you with a stepwise approach for building relationships with potential partners, and includes information on how to identify and engage partners, build relationships, involve the community, leverage funding opportunities, and identify green infrastructure opportunities. It includes recommendations on the types of projects that are most likely to attract positive attention and funding, and which provide a wide range of benefits. Case studies are included to illustrate the approaches presented in the guide. These real-life examples portray how partnerships between municipal stormwater agencies and parks departments have improved recreational resources in the community, enhanced environmental protection, and reduced risks and burdens. 
For those who wish to go deeper into a topic, the guide includes short descriptions and links to external resources that provide more detail on the material presented within."
You can find the full EPA document here



Or on the Town of  Franklin webpage (PDF)
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/epa_parks_book.pdf

Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin
Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin

Friday, June 9, 2017

BJAT LLC superfund Site (300 Fisher Street) Community Involvement Plan.- Comments due today

BJAT LLC superfund Site (300 Fisher Street, Franklin, MA) Community Involvement Plan.

The Community Involvement Plan is a dynamic document that can be updated, when necessary, throughout the cleanup process. Attached, please find a draft copy of the plan. Please review and send me any comments you have by Friday, June 9, 2017. Comments we receive will be carefully considered prior to the plan being made publicly available.

Marilyn St. Fleur, MPH
Public Affairs Specialist
Community Involvement Coordinator
Office of the Regional Administrator

US EPA, Region 1
5 Post Office Sq. Suite 100
Mail Code ORA01-3
Boston, MA 02109-3912
Telephone: 617-918-1617
Fax: 617-918-0617
Email: stfleur.marilyn@epa.gov

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/126593





More information on the BJAT Superfund Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/bjat


http://twitter.com/epanewengland
http://twitter.com/epanewengland


Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-1-new-england)

Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/epanewengland)


Connect with EPA New England on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EPARegion1
)


Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

  • Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
  • DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
  • Map showing property location within Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html


Sunday, May 28, 2017

EPA "Community Involvement Plan" draft copy for 300 Fisher St is open for review and comment

"The Community Involvement Plan is a dynamic document that can be updated, when necessary, throughout the cleanup process. Attached, please find a draft copy of the plan. 
Please review and send me any comments you have by Friday, June 9, 2017. Comments we receive will be carefully considered prior to the plan being made publicly available."

Marilyn St. Fleur, MPH
Public Affairs Specialist
Community Involvement Coordinator
Office of the Regional Administrator

US EPA, Region 1
5 Post Office Sq. Suite 100
Mail Code ORA01-3
Boston, MA 02109-3912
Email: stfleur.marilyn@epa.gov 




More information on the BJAT Superfund Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/bjat


http://twitter.com/epanewengland
http://twitter.com/epanewengland


Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-1-new-england)

Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/epanewengland)


Connect with EPA New England on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EPARegion1
)


Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

  • Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
  • DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
  • Map showing property location within Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html

Thursday, November 3, 2016

A new Facebook page on the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

A new Facebook page has been set up to provide Franklin residents with a way of accessing information pertaining to the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site located at 300 Fisher Street in Franklin. 

BJAT, LLC Superfund Site
BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

Visit the page on Facebook  https://www.prod.facebook.com/groups/280715245661894/


Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

  • EPA visited recently to start building community awareness of the Superfund site
  • Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
  • DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
  • Map showing property location within Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

"the land could help expand the town's recreational offerings"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Marilyn St. Fleur, a community involvement coordinator with the agency, said the session was part of an ongoing effort to learn more about Franklin.
 
"We sent out a mailing with a factsheet about the property," she said. "We got a few people but we wanted more, so we thought an availability session would help." 
Officials noted that the state is now demolishing the building on the property, a process slated to end in December. That demolition, they said, will be complete before the federal agency undertakes cleanup work. After that, the agency will take samples from the property, develop a plan and seek public comment."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161031/epa-visits-franklin-to-discuss-superfund-site

http://twitter.com/epanewengland
http://twitter.com/epanewengland


Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

  • Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
  • DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
  • Map showing property location within Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html


Saturday, October 29, 2016

In the News: Police hosting Halloween party, EPA visits DPW in outreach on superfund site

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"After being gone for several years, the Franklin Police Department's Halloween party will be rising from the grave this weekend. 
The free event - intended to provide thrills and entertainment for preschoolers through fifth-graders - will run on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the station on Panther Way. 
Detective Eric Copeland, one of the officers organizing the party, said the event itself will feature officers dressed up as superheroes, a bounce house, face painting and pumpkin painting. A "spooky trail" will run along the walking path next to the station. 
There will also, Copeland said, be a variety of food, including popcorn, cotton candy and hot dogs."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161028/franklin-police-hosting-halloween-haunting

Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way
Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way


"The federal Environmental Protection Agency will be returning to town to continue its outreach efforts on a local Superfund site.
 
Representatives from the agency will be at the Fisher Street Department of Public Works building on Monday, to get public comment on the BJAT, LLC property, which is also on Fisher Street. 
"We will be there all day," said Marilyn St. Fleur, a community involvement coordinator for the EPA. "We'll have an availability session for individuals who are interested in the site as well." 
Agency representatives came to Franklin earlier this month and held a series of appointments to determine the best way to inform the public of developments. St. Fleur said Monday's visit would feature scheduled meetings as well, but that there would be an open session (from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.) for those who simply wish to know more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161028/epa-continuing-outreach-on-franklin-superfund-site

EPA Staff Will be in Franklin Monday, Oct. 31 to Discuss BJAT Site with Community Members

EPA will host an availability session for Franklin residents interested to discuss the BJAT Superfund Site. The session will be held on Monday, October 31, 2016 from 2:30 – 4:00 PM at the Franklin Department of Public Works located at 257 Fisher Street, Franklin, Mass.

On Sept. 30, 2015, EPA add the BJAT site, located at 300 Fisher Street in Franklin, to the "National Priorities List" of Superfund sites. The Superfund program, a federal program established by Congress in 1980, investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country and converts them into productive local resources by eliminating or reducing health risks and environmental contamination associated with hazardous waste sites.

Beginning in the late 1800s, the BJAT LLC site, was used for industrial operations including the manufacturing of rubber and plastic products. The property, inactive since 1985, contains areas of process waste and debris. Further, soil, sediment and ground water are contaminated with lead, mercury and zinc as well as semi-volatile organic compounds.

More information on the BJAT Superfund Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/bjat


http://twitter.com/epanewengland
http://twitter.com/epanewengland


Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England (https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-1-new-england)

Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/epanewengland)


Connect with EPA New England on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EPARegion1
)


Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

  • Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
  • DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
  • Map showing property location within Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

In the News: EPA superfund site prep, plastic bag ban bylaw drafted for review

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The federal Environmental Protection Agency has begun seeking community input regarding a Superfund site in town - an early step in the cleanup process. 
EPA representatives were in Franklin on Thursday and Friday last week, looking for ways to better inform residents about the Fisher Street site and future efforts there. 
The agency placed the BJAT, LLC property at 300 Fisher St. on its National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2015. That land, according to officials, has been used for industrial purposes since the late 1800s, and was last used for rubber and plastic manufacture. The facility there has been inactive since 1985."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-epa-reaching-out-on-superfund-site

some of the FHS students making the plastic bag ban proposal to the Town Council
some of the FHS students making the plastic bag ban proposal to the Town Council Sep 21

"A group of Franklin High School students has asked the town to consider a ban on "single use" plastic shopping bags in an effort to make Franklin more environmentally friendly. 
The group - comprised of mostly seniors and some juniors - spoke before the Town Council in September, and a bylaw will be on a future meeting's agenda. 
Alycia Felli, one of the group's organizers, said this week that the impetus for the ban came from a class at the high school. 
"All of us are enrolled in an AP environmental science course, and our teacher really opened our eyes about tiny solutions that could ameliorate environmental degradation," Felli said, noting that the course brought up a bag ban. "I saw that and went, 'Oh my gosh, this is something I could even do.'"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-students-seek-bag-ban


  • A copy of the proposed bylaw can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F3878-000F8513


  • or here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb0FXRTBuSUNBamc/view?usp=sharing

Monday, August 8, 2016

"the fight against phosphorus is ongoing"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Water bodies such as the Charles and ponds in MetroWest and the Milford area may have problems with proliferation of a variety of plants, including Eurasian water milfoil, algae, phragmites and white water lilies, said Alexandra Ash, the association's director of communications and events. 
Ash said Franklin has taken many steps to create green infrastructure such as rain gardens that help stormwater filter into the ground rather than run off into the river. 
Ash said officials try to treat stormwater naturally, mimicking what nature does.
Franklin DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi said the town, among other steps, tries to reduce the amount of roads and sidewalks that are impervious to water by decreasing road widths and eliminating sidewalks where they are not needed.
 
Franklin pulls its drinking water from the ground, so it is important to direct as much water into the ground as possible, he said."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160807/region-dirty-water-getting-cleaner

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in
rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in


The article also mentions the Rain Garden Tour being held on Aug 17th with registration required by Aug 10th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/rain-garden-tour-register-by-aug-10.html

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

“This could potentially create havoc with budget cuts.’’

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on changing the regulations to manage storm water for several years. The regulations are now about to be released, finally.

"Nearly every summer over the past decade, toxic algae blooms, fueled by warm weather and contaminated runoff, have coated parts of the Charles River. Now the federal government is poised to issue sweeping regulations ordering a cleanup, a move expected to cost some river municipalities tens of millions of dollars. 
The regulations, which federal officials say will be issued next month and take effect later this year, have sparked a range of concerns in cities and towns near the river. In Franklin, for example, where the river runs for several miles, local officials estimated the regulations would cost residents an average of $300 a month, and at least $62 million over 20 years, to do things like capture and treat more water. 
Environmental Protection Agency officials said federal dollars will help pay some of the costs."

- See more at: http://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/article_popover.aspx?guid=54c5b29f-ed89-4132-b7f3-21010c61c105#sthash.ICNM1Q3j.dpuf

catch basins at Sculpture Park were put in with an EPA grant
catch basins at Sculpture Park were put in with an EPA grant


  • EPA grants awarded

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/in-news-epa-grant-for-franklin-downtown.html


  • In Nov 2013, no word on when the EPA storm water fees would be real

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/live-reporting-finance-committee-nov-12.html


  • In June 2010, calls for the EPA to come up with the money

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/06/epa-should-come-up-with-money.html


  • Notification of the meetings in May 2010

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/downtown-revitalization-project-and-epa.html

Thursday, December 24, 2015

EPA grant applied for to help with Nu-Style property cleanup


"The town has applied for a $200,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant as it continues its efforts to clean up industrial contaminants from a Grove Street property. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Wednesday that Franklin had sent in an application for the EPA's 2016 round of brownfields "clean-up" grants to assist in the remediation of the former Nu-Style manufacturing property, which is now owned by the town."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20151223/franklin-seeking-cleanup-grant

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting uses the Nu-Style map to talk about the plans
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting uses the Nu-Style map to talk about the plans



Related posts on the Nu-Style property



  • Sep 2015 Economic Development Committee meeting

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/live-reporting-economic-development.html


  • The audio for the Sep 2015 meeting can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/fm-114-economic-development-committee.html


  • Planning and Community Development entry in 2012 Annual Report

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/annual-report-2012-planning-community.html


Friday, December 4, 2015

Public Hearing Notice for 87 Grove St - Brownfields Clean up

The Town of Franklin is currently in the process of applying for a $200,000 EPA Brownfield's Cleanup grant, which if received will be utilized to remediate hazardous building materials, demolition of the remaining building, and remediation or removal of contaminated soils. 
Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing concerning the proposed project and related grant proposal during their Tuesday December 8, 2015, 5:30 p.m. meeting. Please find the public hearing notice attached. 
If you have any question please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development or planning@franklin.ma.us.

Thank you,

Amy Love, Program Coordinator
Department of Planning and Community Development
355 East Central St
Franklin, MA 02038
508-520-4907


----------

TOWN OF FRANKLINPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE



The Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday December 8, 2015 at its 5:30 p.m. meeting to discuss a proposed Federal FY2016 EPA Brownfields Clean-up Grant Application. Under this grant application, the following activities are currently being considered related to a Town of Franklin owned property (known as the former Nu-Style property) at 87 Grove Street in Franklin Massachusetts: removal of hazardous materials within the vacant 1.5 story former manufacturing facility, demolition of said manufacturing facility, and partial remediation and or disposal of contaminated soil. Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street.

Written comments and suggestions related to the proposed remediation project, the draft grant application, and a related draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCC) may be submitted to the Town of Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038. A copy of the draft grant proposal and related ABCA are available for review at DPCD. Deadline for comments is 1:00 p.m. Friday December 11, 2015.

The Town encourages a broad spectrum of participation by residents and other interested parties in order to better understand and serve the needs of the community. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for the hearing impaired, please contact the DPCD at 508.520.4907 no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2015.


Matt Kelly, Chairman
Franklin Town Council

----

Draft proposal and related ABCA
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/NuStyle

EPA website header
EPA website header

Additional info on the EPA Brownfields Grant process
http://www2.epa.gov/brownfields/apply-brownfields-grant-funding


Sunday, November 15, 2015

"EPA Misses Congressional Deadline For Artificial Turf Safety Response"


"the letter also says, “Regarding the Town of Medway Board of Health’s reference to a review study of crumb rubber, in 2013, CPSC staff informed PEER that our Office of Compliance wold undertake a review and determine whether any enforcement action was appropriate regarding the issue. Upon further exploration, Compliance staff concluded, at that time, specific product enforcement was unlikely to be the best option, based upon the need for individual health assessments.”

So what the agency said in 2008 doesn’t mean artificial turf is safe. But the CPSC also won’t say that turf is not safe. And they don’t have, nor are they likely to ever have, enough information to rule on the safety of artificial turf.

The House and Senate need answers."


new crumb rubber artificial turf field at Franklin High School
new crumb rubber artificial turf field at Franklin High School
Duh, shouldn't parents also be getting answers?

Read the full article on this aspect of the crumb rubber issue here
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2015/11/09/epa-misses-congressional-deadline-for-artificial-turf-safety/

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

In the News: EPA grant for Franklin, downtown holiday decorations, PMC Kids scavenger hunt



The Baker-Polito Administration has announced that Milford and Franklin are among nine projects to receive more than $1.28 million in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), targeting water pollution from storm water runoff and erosion. 
“It is vitally important that we address the effects of polluted storm runoff on Massachusetts waterways to protect both our environment and public health,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “Through the administration of this grant program, we are able to work with the federal government to provide our local and regional partners the resources needed to improve water quality.” 
“To keep our communities healthy, we must help them maintain a clean and safe system of water resources,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “These water protection grants will help local officials identify storm water issues and address them promptly.”

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151020/NEWS/151029317/1994/NEWS


The Franklin Downtown Partnership will team up with the Franklin Garden Club to decorate downtown Franklin on Sunday, Nov. 22. Volunteers and helpers are welcome to help install wreaths, bows and greenery. 
Interested volunteers will meet Beautification Chairman Eileen Mason at 9 a.m. on the center island. Community service hours are available for students; groups and teams are encouraged to participate. Help is also needed on Saturday, November 21, at Hillside Nurseries to sort greens.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151019/NEWS/151015985/1994/NEWS


PMC Franklin Kids Ride is holding its 1st annual Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 4-10 p.m. 
Get friends, spouses, and coworkers together to form a team, all to benefit a good cause. Teams will compete in this 3-hour hunt throughout the Franklin area. A party will follow at the Crystal Room in Milford, which will include a silent auction, raffle and awards ceremony. 
The cost per person is $25 and all proceeds will go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Sign up now by contacting Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net. Adults 21 and older, please.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151019/NEWS/151016010/1994/NEWS

Friday, October 2, 2015

In the News: Superfund listing good news, Pumpkins in the Park, Purr-fect Cat Shelter fund raising



Area officials reacted favorably to news that a contaminated property on Fisher Street had been added to the Environmental Protection Agency's list of Superfund sites.
The EPA announced Wednesday that the former BJACT LLC property will be placed on the agency's National Priorities List of Superfund sites. The land at 300 Fisher St., according to an EPA release, has been used for industrial purposes since the late 1800s, with rubber and plastic manufacture among its uses. It is currently inactive, and has been so since 1985.

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In cooperation with the Franklin Recreation Department, Pumpkins in the Park will take place at 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way, near the police station. 
Those interested are asked to drop off pumpkins between noon and 2 p.m., or 5-6 p.m. Lights will be provided by Franklin Art Center. Event attendees will vote for their favorite pumpkins and prizes will be given for the most creative, scariest and funniest.
Franklin Art Center Facebook photo
Franklin Art Center Facebook photo

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The Purr-fect Cat Shelter will hold the Pour for Paws Wine Tasting fundraiser 2-5 p.m. Oct. 18 at Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove St. 
The event will be an afternoon of wine sampling provided by Pour Richard’s and raffle items. Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits will also donate 20 percent of the sales during the event to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151001/NEWS/151009214/1994/NEWS