MassDOT: Otis, Standisfield Temporary Closure of Route 8

10:00AM / Wednesday, July 23, 2025Print Story | Email Story

OTIS, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing a temporary closure of Route 8 at mile marker 7.6. The closure is required for crews to allow crews to make utility repairs to downed wires and is expected to remain in place until repairs are completed.

Route 8 northbound traffic is being detoured to follow Route 57 to Route 23, and Route 8 southbound traffic is being detoured via Route 23 to Route 57.

Temporary signs and variable message boards are being deployed to advise drivers to seek alternate routes.

Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.

Tags: MassDOT,

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Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

11:41AM / Friday, December 19, 2025

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond.

According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond.

The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million.

"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.

The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.

The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.

The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here.

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