LEE, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that $160,000 in grants have been awarded to four municipalities and four community groups as part of the Technical Assistance Grant Program. 

 

The Technical Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), provides funding to enhance citizen participation in assessment and cleanup activities at waste disposal sites in local communities. Awards may be used to obtain expert assistance, increase public participation, and provide public education regarding site cleanup.

 

"Waste site cleanup projects and environmental mitigation often come with complex plans that communities want to fully understand," said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. "We're pleased to make this resource available to inform and empower municipal officials and citizen groups to meaningfully participate in local assessment and cleanup efforts."

 

Lee was awarded a $20,000 grant to engage technical expertise to review and interpret information about the Upland Disposal Facility, an area permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for storage of contaminated sediments from the Housatonic River Superfund Site, to provide technical assistance to local officials and outreach to citizens. Contaminants of concern include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), potentially affecting the aquifer.