Environmental Fact Sheet for Former Paragon Mills Site, 39 Manton Ave., Providence, RI

Introduction

 

Olneyville Housing Corporation (OHC) has identified the properties located at 39 Manton Avenue, 31 Manton Avenue, 148 Delaine Street and 160 Delaine Street in Providence, Rhode Island for the renovation of an underutilized mill complex into mixed-use light industrial, office, and residential space.  This location is comprised of 3.21-acres and was the location of the former Paragon Mill (the site).

 

As part of the project, OHC applied to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) for environmental assessment funding.  RIDEM contracted with Woodard & Curran (W&C) to assess the environmental quality of the site and identify remedial measures that must be conducted prior to redevelopment, if needed.  OHC and W&C have been working closely with RIDEM and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to complete the assessment of the site and develop a remediation plan, if warranted, that will allow this property to be developed into mixed use space.   This project is also a part of the KeepSpace initiative, which works to create viable and sustainable communities in Rhode Island.

 

Throughout the initial stages of the project, OHC and RIDEM have strived to ensure that local citizens remain informed about environmental issues at the site, have an opportunity to express concerns and ask questions about these issues, and stay involved in decisions related to assessment and remediation of the site.  This fact sheet has been developed as part of OHC and RIDEM’s on-going initiative to maintain communication and public participation during the project.

 

Site History

The site was the location of the former Paragon Worsted Mill until the mid 1960s, after which time the mill complex was occupied by Artcraft Braid Company and other light manufacturing businesses.  Artcraft Braid Company moved its operations to Massachusetts in 2008, leaving the majority of the mill complex vacant.  Current tenants of the mill complex include a church and a youth group.  Surrounding properties have historically been and in most cases remain commercial and residential.  A gasoline station was located along the Delaine Street portion of the site from the 1930s through the 1980s, when it was closed.  This land is now used as a parking lot for the site.

 

Environmental Assessment and Existing Issues

 

Prior to development, subsurface investigations comprised of the collection of soil and groundwater samples were conducted at the site.  Additionally, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I) was completed in July 2009.  Results of the subsurface investigations and the Phase 1 identified potential environmental concerns associated with the site, including the following:

 

Concentrations of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and metals in soil:  Soil samples collected from the site contained concentrations of some SVOCs and metals above applicable RIDEM regulatory standards.  The types and concentrations of the SVOCs and metals are consistent with what is seen in urban fill material and are likely the result of historic filling processes.

 

Historic release of petroleum to soil:  Soil samples collected from the vicinity of underground storage tanks (USTs) which have been removed and a current UST contained concentrations of petroleum above applicable RIDEM regulatory standards.  The extent of petroleum impacts appears to be isolated and will be addressed during site redevelopment.

 

Proposed Additional Assessment Activities  

 

Based on the results of the subsurface investigation activities and Phase I, W&C, in coordination with RIDEM and USEPA, have concluded that additional soil and groundwater sampling activities are warranted as part of a Phase II study.  Collection of additional soil and groundwater samples will provide additional information about the environmental quality of the site and will allow OHC to prepare a development plan for the site that will also address potential environmental concerns, should they arise.  The Phase II study is scheduled to be conducted in September/October 2009.

 

End Use of the Site

 

Upon completion of environmental assessment and potential remediation activities, the site will be redeveloped for mixed-use light industrial, office, and residential space by OHC.  The development will not be considered complete and ready for occupation until remedial activities, if required, are completed to the satisfaction of OHC and RIDEM.

 

Contact Information

 

For additional information, please contact any of the following project personnel:

 

· Mr. Jay O’Grady (OGrady@olneyville.org) of Olneyville Housing Corporation, (401) 351-8719 extension 107

· Ms. Cynthia Gianfrancesco (Cynthia.Gianfrancesco@dem.ri.gov) of RIDEM, (401) 222-2797 extension 7126

· Mr. Shannon Daigle (sdaigle@woodardcurran.com) of Woodard & Curran at (401) 273-1007 extension 2010