Return to Use Initiative
2006 Demonstration Project
KellOgg-Deering Well Field: Norwalk, Connecticut
THE SITE: The Kellogg-Deering Well Field site is located in a densely developed urban area surrounded
by residences, apartments, commercial businesses, and industrial complexes. In 1975, trichloroethylene was
detected in ground water pumped by the public water system, and additional volatile organic compound (VOC)
contamination was found in the soil and ground water. At that time, the well field supplied 50 percent of the
drinking water to 80,000 Norwalk residents. EPA issued a Record of Decision (ROD) in 1986 for the well field
to ensure that residents would have a reliable source of safe, potable water. Treated well field water continues to
supply water to area residents.
EPA issued another ROD in 1989 for the soil and ground water
contamination in the source area which is located less than a mile
upgradient from the well field. The 1989 ROD included vapor extraction
to remove VOCs from the soils and ground water extraction to prevent the
further spreading of the contaminated ground water.
Barriers:
Superfund site stigma; lack of
clear and easily understandable
information about the site
Solution:
Reuse assessment; prospective
purchaser support
THE OPPORTUNITY: Besides the recent building demolishment and
the construction of the soil and ground water treatment systems, which
was completed in 1996, most of the five-acre source area has been vacant or abandoned. Because of the site's
desirable location in an already developed area, several prospective purchasers have expressed interest in the
site.
THE BARRIERS: Parties interested in purchasing the site have expressed concerns and confusion about the
Superfund liability scheme. Developers have also been concerned that the soil vapor and ground water extraction
systems and associated piping network on the site could hinder building construction or renovation. The properties
included in the site are subject to local and state regulations such as Connecticut property transfer laws.
THE SOLUTION: EPA conducted a reuse assessment to gather background information and evaluate how
potential site reuse might impact, and be impacted by, the cleanup approach. The findings of this reuse assessment
were summarized in a document and made available to the public. Copies have been provided to interested
parties in the development and real estate community. This document has been useful in clarifying site conditions
and enabling potential developers to better assess the feasibility of reuse options.
THE SITE NOW: Following EPA determination that the soil cleanup
levels had been attained, the parties responsible for the soil vapor extraction
system permanently dismantled it in 2006. The site owner demolished the
buildings on the complex in 2007. Per agreement with the Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection, the foundation slabs were not
removed and will remain onsite until there is resolution on future work
under Connecticut property transfer laws. Ground water extraction and
treatment activities are ongoing, and EPARegion 1 is also moving forward
with a vapor intrusion study between the source area and the well field.
Befoi
Former contaminated ground water
site with a number of abandoned
properties and no public interest in
redevelopment
After:
Commercial property with real
estate market interest
a states
Environmental Protection
, Agency
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
updated June 2009
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Region 1 continues to support prospective purchasers who are interested in acquiring the property by providing
information about the site, which helps prospective purchasers understand EPA's intentions regarding the site and
potential liability issues.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: John Podgurksi, Region 1 Superfund Redevelopment Coordinator,
at (617) 918-1296 or podgurski.john@epa.gov.
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
updated June 2009
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