EPA Superfund Site

BJAT LLC

MA | EPA ID MAN000106144

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of December 2024, the determination for the BJAT Superfund site is that "Current Human Exposure is not Under Control" because unacceptable exposure pathways exist for child recreation and child/adult recreational fishing in the adjacent wetland complex and surface water body. Surface water and fish tissue in these waters exceeded applicable regional screening criteria (RSLs) for various metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in surface water also exceeded the child wading or swimming scenarios of RSLs. PFAS are present in fish tissue within the Beaver Pond / Mine Brook wetland system at levels which can pose unacceptable health risks from fish consumption. It is difficult to restrict access to this portion of the site, but the Region will evaluate risk communication/mitigation strategies, such as signs alerting visitors about risks. Furthermore, PFAS have been detected in on-site groundwater, while nearby Town-operated public water supply wells, which use the same aquifer, draw water containing PFAS at levels near the newly-promulgated Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The Town does not yet have treatment methods to control PFAS in this portion of its water supply, but is planning facility upgrades which will address PFAS in the drinking water.

EPA expects to issue final Remedial Investigation (RI) and Feasibility Study (FS) in 2025 and a Record of Decision that will address site contamination, shortly thereafter. The Town of Franklin is planning water treatment facility upgrades, including PFAS treatment systems, which are anticipated to be online in early 2026. Human Exposure Under Control will be achieved via a combination of these next steps, as well as risk communication strategies to address recreational fishing. The estimated timeline to achieve Human Exposure Under Control is early 2026.