EPA Reveals Cleanup Plan for New Bedford Property
The EPA is launching a $9.25 million project to remove PCB contamination at 103 Sawyer Street in New Bedford.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Commercial
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The EPA recently unveiled a remediation plan for the property at 103 Sawyer Street to address toxic PCB pollutants. This effort aims to prepare the site for future mixed-use development by the summer of 2027.
Why it matters
Cleaning the soil is a necessary step to transform this long-held city property into a functional space for the community. The project will address historical contamination to allow for safe redevelopment in the local area.
The EPA plan includes a $9.25 million budget for soil removal and 30 years of maintenance. Contractors will excavate the top 3 feet of soil across the property, while land use controls will manage residual contamination at the northern edge.
The players
Environmental Protection Agency
The federal agency responsible for managing the remediation of hazardous waste sites and protecting human health and the environment.
City of New Bedford
The local municipal government that has owned the property located at 103 Sawyer Street since the 1940s.
The details
The project involves removing the top 3 feet of soil across the site and establishing a containment cell on the eastern side. While most of the property will be remediated, certain areas along the northern edge will require specialized controls due to deeper PCB levels.
Timeline
The City of New Bedford has held the property since the 1940s.
The EPA finished its in-water harbor cleanup in late 2025.
The remediation plan was presented on October 28, 2026.
Remediation work is scheduled to last for the next six months.
The site is projected to be ready for development by Summer 2027.
Culture Shift
This project aligns with a broader trend of reclaiming post-industrial waterfront properties for mixed-use public spaces. By transitioning from a contaminated site into a development-ready lot, the city continues to distance itself from its heavy manufacturing legacy.
Residents should expect active construction at the site over the next six months as crews replace the soil. Once completed, the transition of the property to mixed-use space will likely change local traffic patterns and land utility near the waterfront.
The takeaway
The cleanup plan marks a significant milestone in restoring the 103 Sawyer Street property for future community use. Local stakeholders should monitor official city updates as the site prepares for redevelopment by next summer.
Further reading
For more on ongoing redevelopment projects, see the New Bedford Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New Bedford Light.
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