Wells G&H

Overview

Two municipal drinking water wells in Woburn, Massachusetts were shut down in 1979 after industrial waste from neighboring properties contaminated them. The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) added the 330-acre Wells G&H site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. The site is organized into four operable units, each targeting a different geographic area and type of contamination.

Contaminants at the site include chlorinated solvents like trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE), metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides including DDT and chlordane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other volatile organic compounds. These contaminants are found in soil, groundwater, sediment, and sludge across the site. River sediments along the Aberjona River also contain arsenic and PAHs.

Cleanup of the Source Area Properties (OU1) began in 1992 and has involved five responsible parties, including W.R. Grace Company and UniFirst Corporation. Methods used include groundwater pumping and treatment, soil vapor extraction, chemical oxidation, and excavation. More than 1,090 million gallons of groundwater have been treated and over 5,599 pounds of contaminants removed. The River Study area (OU3) cleanup was completed in 2017. The Southwest Properties (OU4) received a cleanup decision in 2017 and is currently in the design phase, with work expected to start between late 2026 and early 2027. The Central Area (OU2) is still in the investigation phase, with a proposed cleanup plan expected between 2028 and 2029.

EPA has determined that human exposure is currently under control, meaning no unacceptable exposure pathways exist at this time. However, EPA cannot yet confirm whether contaminated groundwater movement is stabilized, due to insufficient data. Construction is not complete across the entire site. Institutional controls remain in place to restrict land uses that would be inconsistent with current cleanup levels, including zoning that prevents residential development. The site's sixth Five-Year Review was completed in May 2024.

Parts of the site have been successfully redeveloped. The former W.R. Grace property is now Woburn Landing, featuring two hotels and several restaurants. A former junkyard became Holland Arena, a youth hockey facility, in 2008. The Aberjona Nature Trails recreational area opened after river sediment cleanup was completed. As of December 2024, the site supports 322 businesses employing over 3,100 people. Community members with questions can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager. Site records are also available at the Woburn Public Library or the EPA Region 1 office in Boston.