EPA Superfund site
MICROFAB INC (FORMER)
Exposure status: insufficient data
Data limitations: Proximity to a Superfund site boundary does not mean your property is contaminated. EPA site boundaries show the area designated for cleanup, not the full extent of contamination. Groundwater plumes can extend beyond site boundaries. This tool shows publicly available EPA federal data. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPA, and is not a substitute for a professional environmental assessment.
About this site's exposure pathways
As of November 2025, the Microfab, Inc. (Former) Superfund Site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control” (HENC). This is based on human health risks associated with the complete human exposure pathways between contaminated soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater and human receptors (e.g., trespasser, recreational user, construction/utility worker, hypothetical future resident) that were evaluated in "on-property" and "off-property" areas of the Site. This information is outlined in the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) report dated June 2025. Contaminants of Concern (COCs) which present an unacceptable cancer and/or non-cancer risk in various media include: Multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Arsenic, Hexavalent Chromium, Lead, Copper, Thallium, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). EPA installed a new property perimeter fence to restrict access to the most significant on-property contamination in addition to abundant no trespassing and hazardous warning signage. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) had also previously fenced off a smaller "imminent hazard area" where elevated metals exist in surface soil/sediment. However, there is still evidence of periodic trespassing at the property (for graffiti art, "urban exploration", and hunting), and trespassers have removed and stolen some of the signs. Site-impacted groundwater is not currently in use, and Amesbury has a public water supply. There is one private potable well on a Haverhill Road property located approximately 500 feet north of the Microfab property, but is hydrogeologically upgradient and is not impacted by the Site contamination (confirmed by sampling/analyses). A groundwater plume containing VOCs flows south/southwest from the Microfab property, with the leading edge of the plume situated in utility easements and undeveloped wetlands and wooded areas. The plume is located north of residential areas to the south. EPA will complete a Proposed Plan in FY2026 to select a remedial alternative(s) to address Site contamination. A Record of Decision (ROD) is planned in FY2027.