Final RFP for Ware Brownfields Clean Up Monroe St. Deadline Amended.pdf

Town of Ware Brownfields Cleanup Project

July 2026

Request for Proposals

Qualified Environmental Professionals

Introduction

The Town of Ware is seeking proposals from qualified environmental professionals (QEPs) for services toward implementing the Town of Ware Brownfields Cleanup Project (BF00A01119) at the American Gas Site on Monroe Street (RTN-1-0017892) funded by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Proposals are sought only from firms prequalified under the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) contract for Environmental Engineering, Diagnostics and Testing (PRF77 designated

DCAMM).

The Town of Ware was awarded a cleanup grant by the EPA in 2023, a copy of the original grant proposal is included in Attachment A. Following the grant award the Town entered into a cooperative agreement with EPA (Attachment B).

The Town of Ware and any QEP agree to adhere to all requirements of the federal Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), the Full and Open Competitive Requirements (2 CFR Part 1500), the EPA DBE requirement (40 CFR Part 33), and applicable requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Note that the deadline for completing the cleanup work under the EPA grant is September 30, 2027. Prospective QEPs submitting proposals for this project must commit to completing all work within this timeframe and provide a realistic project schedule to complete this work within this timeframe.

Services Required

The Town requires the services of a qualified environmental professional (QEP) to develop a cleanup plan and oversee the cleanup at the America Gas Site on Monroe Street in Ware to achieve the objectives of the Town’s Brownfields Cleanup project. This cleanup must be designed and conducted with the objective of achieving compliance with the applicable requirements of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). Therefore, the QEP must have at least one staff member who is a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP).

Services shall include the preparation of a cleanup plan, preparation of a Community Relations Plan (CRP), and Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA), preparation of bid specifications, review of bids received, preparation of a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), and oversight of cleanup. The QEP will ensure that work to be conducted with cooperative agreement funds complies with the requirements of CERCLA 104(k) and with all the applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including the Massachusetts Contingency Plan. The cleanup plan and activities conducted under the QEP’s oversight must be protective of human health and the environment and consistent with the Town of Ware’s goals for the site.

The Town requires work to begin immediately upon signing a contract with the awardee and all contracted work to be completed by July 31, 2027.

Within the Terms and Conditions of its Cooperative Agreement with EPA, the Town of Ware may amend or extend this contract beyond the initial Grant Period to accommodate the terms and conditions of the Brownfields Cleanup Grant or future EPA grants awarded to the Town of Ware, provided a market survey conducted by the Town of Ware indicates that the prices the contractor proposes are reasonable.

Instructions

A. Submittal Contents – The following must be included in all submittals:

1. Cover Letter that clearly states the proposer’s willingness and ability to undertake the project according to the Scope and Timeline set forth in this Request, and the firm’s ability and willingness to execute a contract with the Town per the general provisions provided in this Request.

2. Proposed Scope of Work, divided into the following categories of services to be performed by the QEP:

a. Programmatic Task Assistance: supporting the Town of Ware in completing required quarterly reports to EPA, ACRES reporting, and other programmatic assistance.

b. Pre-remediation Planning and Documentation: preparation of a revised Assessment of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA), Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), Release Abatement Measure (RAM) Plan in accordance with MCP, and Engineering Plans and Specifications.

c. Community Outreach and Engagement: preparation of a Community Relations Plan (CRP); organization and participation in public meetings;

response to public comments received on CRP and revised ABCA;

participation in Brownfields Advisory Committee meetings, as requested by the town.

d. Remediation Contractor Procurement: preparation of cleanup plans and specifications, and complete bid documents; oversee bidding including bid advertising, pre-bid meeting, review and evaluation of bids, and providing recommendations to the town.

e. Remediation Services Oversight and Documentation: LSP oversight of cleanup activities; confirmation that cleanup contractor achieves project objectives and complies with contract terms and conditions; post-remediation sampling and analysis; data analysis, risk characterization and determination that cleanup has achieved remedial objectives

f. Post-Remediation Tasks: MCP reporting, documentation of cleanup, preparation of Activity and Use Limitation (AUL) and Permanent Solution with Conditions (PSC).

3. Preliminary Cleanup Plan and Project Schedule that is consistent with the intent of the original grant proposal and the town’s Cooperative Agreement, and which demonstrates all tasks will be completed in accordance with the MCP and other applicable standards, rules and regulations. The Scope of Work should include a project schedule that indicates all tasks will be completed within the grant contract period (August 31, 2026 – July 31, 2027); (note that additional funds for Post-Remediation Tasks may be acquired from a different source, and therefore, Post-Remediation Tasks may be conducted after the end of the EPA grant period).

4. Fee schedule in accordance with DCAMM Contract PRF77 designated

DCAMM.

5. Statement of Qualifications that includes the following:

a. Relevant experience of the staff members most likely to undertake this work (i.e., resumes or qualifications);

b. Relevant experience working for municipalities and/or regional planning agencies or other commissions;

c. Relevant experience and compliance with MA Department of

Environmental Protection environmental regulations and most current ASTM Standards for environmental investigation;

d. Relevant experience preparing and amending Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs); and

e. Relevant experience preparing technical reports, including Community Relations Plans, ACBAs, report on Green & Sustainable Remediation, site profile updates to ACRES, quarterly progress reports and project completion reports, consistent with EPA reporting requirements and the requirements of MADEP.

f. Relevant experience in the design and successful implementation of environmental remediation plans under the MCP

g. Relevant experience preparing bid documents for procurement of remediation contractors, conducting contractor bidding, and assisting clients with contractor selection and contract execution.

h. Relevant experience managing remediation construction project budgets and successful cost control procedures.

6. DCAMM requirements - The following must be submitted alongside the sealed bid:

a. DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility

b. DCAMM Update Statement

7. Proposing firms must complete and submit the five certificates/affidavits included in the Appendices with their response. The Town may reject any response from which completed forms have omitted.

8. Submittal Deadline – the Proposed Scope of Work, Fee Schedule, a written Statement of Qualifications, and mandatory affidavits must be received by email to Paralee Smith, psmith@townofware.com no later than 2:00 pm August 26, 2026.

Evaluation Criteria and Award:

The Town will evaluate all submittals based upon the criteria set forth in this section. The Town will offer the contract according to the criteria stated above, to the firm that is deemed the most advantageous to the Town.

A. Minimum Criteria: Each submittal must include all Submittal Contents listed above and meet all the following criteria to be considered for further evaluation.

Those that do not include the required materials or submit information requested below will be judged unacceptable and will not be considered further.

1. A cover letter that clearly states the proposer’s willingness and ability to undertake the project according to the Scope and Timeline set forth in this Request, and the firm’s ability and willingness to execute a contract with the Town per the general provisions provided in this Request.

2. Demonstrate that the lead firm and any subconsultants on the team have at least five (5) years’ relevant experience with related work as described above, and including the development and cleanup plans and oversight of cleanup action projects conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan.

mailto:psmith@townofware.com

3. Completion of the Unit Cost Form and Team Experience Table form, included in this application.

4. Demonstrated capacity to manage, undertake, and complete the project, including relevant expertise on staff, and the capacity and ability to participate in public/community meetings in Town. Portions of this project are being funded by a U.S. EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant. The Owner will more favorably evaluate contractors who hire staff that have gone through a local/state/federal workforce development program that teaches green remediation techniques/skills.

5. Letters of recommendation from at least three (3) references able to speak to the proposers’ similar project experience. Each reference letter should provide a brief project description, project cost, and a brief statement of the proposer’s performance on the project.

6. If applicable, proof as minority- or women-owned business.

7. Signed forms/certificates: Certificate of Tax Compliance; Non-Collusion; and

Certificate of Vote.

B. Comparative Criteria: Each submittal that meets the minimum criteria listed above will be scored and rated. Items 1 through 4 above will be scored to the following:

Highly Advantageous (5): a proposal that clearly exceeds the minimum criteria above

Advantageous (3): a proposal that meets the minimum criteria above

Not Advantageous (1): a proposal that leaves significant questions or issues not fully addressed

Not Acceptable (0): a proposal missing required information

The maximum score possible would be 20 (if items 1.-4. each achieved a score of 5).

Consideration of the cost of the project will be 25% of the criteria for the selection process.

C. Reference Checks and Interviews: Following review and scoring of all proposals considered, the Town may choose to interview the two top-rated firms/teams.

Interview scoring will be based on the proposers’ responses to questions posed during the interview, which may include, for example: the firm’s communication skills; its demonstrated ability to adapt to changing project conditions and unexpected issues that arose during a previous project; and its demonstrated success in cost control and schedule management during previous projects.

Scoring of interview responses by the Town of Ware selection team will follow the same comparative criteria listed above.. After interviews, if any, the Town will contact references to discuss the firm’s experience with similar projects.

D. Contract Award: After review of the submittals, interviews, if any, and reference checks are completed, the Town will offer the project to the firm that is deemed the most advantageous to the Town.

Contract Period The selected qualified environmental professional will be required to enter into a professional services contract with the Town of Ware, the term of which shall be consistent with the Town’s cooperative agreement with the U.S EPA. Activities shall conclude no later than July 31, 2027.

Contract Funds The total U.S EPA grant funds available for QEP services and cleanup is $482,400.

Insurance The selected QEP (Contractor) shall be responsible to the Town or any third party for any property damage or bodily injury caused by it, any of its subcontractors, employees or agents in the performance of, or because of, the work under this Agreement. The Contractor and any subcontractors used hereby certify that they are insured for workers compensation, property damage, personal and product liability. The Contractor and any subcontractor uses shall purchase, furnish copies of, and maintain in full force and effect insurance policies in the amounts here indicated.

General liability Bodily Injury Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence Property Damage Liability $500,000 per occurrence (or combined single limit) $1,000,000 per occurrence

Automobile Liability Bodily Injury Liability $500,000 per occurrence Property Damage Liability $50,000 per occurrence (or combined single limit) $500,000 per occurrence

Workers Compensation Insurance – Coverage for all employees in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.

Professional Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence

Prior to the commencement of any work under this contract, the Contractor shall provide the Town with Certificates of Insurance, which include the Town of Ware as an additional named insured, and which include a thirty-day notice of cancellation to the Town.

Further Information

Inquiries regarding this request should be directed to Paralee Smith, Director of Planning & Community Development via email at psmith@townofware.com no later than 12pm on Friday, July 31, 2026th. Answers to inquiries and extensions to the deadlines in this RFP (if any) will be posted in the form of Addenda to this RFP. All proposers are responsible for reviewing all information posted to this website. Proposals received that do are consistent with information provided in addenda will not be considered.

See following attachments:

Attachment A – Updated Brownfield Cleanup Grant Application

Attachment B – Cooperative Agreement Award

Attachment C – Team Experience Table

Attachment D – Unit Cost Form

Attachment E – Certificate of Non-Collusion

Attachment F – Certificate of Bote

Attachment G – State Taxes

Attachment H – Tax Affidavit

Attachment I – Ware Budget Detail

Attachment J – Contract User Guide DCAMM PRF77

Attachment K - Nondiscrimination Affidavit

TOWN OF WARE

Town Manager

126 Main Street

Ware, MA 01082

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

BROWNFIELD CLEANUP GRANT

RFA NO.: EPA-I-OLEM-OBLR-22-09 ASSISTANCE LISTING NO.: 66.818

Narrative Information Sheet

1. Applicant Identification

Town of Ware

126 Main Street

Ware, MA 01082

2. Funding Requested

a. Grant Type: Single Site Cleanup

b. Federal Funds Requested: $500,000

3. Location

a) Town: Ware

b) County: Hampshire County

c) State: MA

4. Property Information

Site: Former Ware Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP)

Address: 0 Monroe Street Ware, MA 01082

5. Contacts

a. Project Director

Para Smith, Director of Planning & Community Development

413-967-9648 Ext. 120 psmith@townofware.com

126 Main Street

Ware, MA 01082

b. Chief Executive/Highest Ranking Elected Official

Stuart Beckley, Town Manager

413-967-9648 Ext 100 sbeckley@townofware.com

126 Main Street

Ware, MA 01082

6. Population

10,066

Attachment A mailto:rwatchilla@townofware.com mailto:sbeckley@townofware.com

7. Other Factors The Town of Ware has identified one or more of the other factors below to apply to the community/proposed project by noting the corresponding Narrative page number.

Other Factors Page #

Community population is 10,000 or less

The applicant is, or will assist, a federally recognized Indian tribe or United States territory.

The proposed brownfield site(s) is impacted by mine-scarred land.

Secured firm leveraging commitment ties directly to the project and will facilitate completion of the remediation/reuse; secured resource is identified in the Narrative and substantiated in the attached documentation.

3, 4

The proposed site(s) is adjacent to a body of water (i.e., the border of the proposed site(s) is contiguous or partially contiguous to the body of water, or would be contiguous or partially contiguous with a body of water but for a street, road, or other public thoroughfare separating them).

The proposed site(s) is in a federally designated flood plain. 1

The reuse of the proposed cleanup site(s) will facilitate renewable energy from wind, solar, or geothermal energy.

The reuse strategy or project reuse of the proposed site(s) considers climate adaptation and/or mitigation measures.

The target area(s) is located within a community in which a coal-fired power plant has recently closed (2012 or later) or is closing.

8. Releasing Copies of Applications

The Town kindly requests that you keep individual’s personal information private (e.g., an individual’s salary, personal email addresses, etc.) in Section 2b and 3c as the Town claims this as sensitive and confidential information.

Charles D. Baker

Governor

Karyn E. Polito

Lieutenant Governor

Beth A. Card

Secretary

Martin Suuberg

Commissioner

This information is available in alternate format. Call the MassDEP Diversity Office at 617-556-1139. TTY# MassRelay Service 1-800-439-2370

MassDEP Website: www.mass.gov/dep

Printed on Recycled Paper

November 1, 2022 Via Email

Attn: Stuart Beckley, Town Manager Town of Ware 126 Main Street Ware, MA 01082

RE: STATE LETTER OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Town of Ware – Brownfields Cleanup Grant Ware Manufactured Gas Plant (WMGP), 31 Monroe Street, Ware [RTN 1-17892]

Dear Mr. Beckley:

I am writing to support the application submitted by the Town of Ware under the Fiscal Year 2023 U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Cleanup Grant Program. We understand that the Town of Ware is proposing to undertake cleanup activities at the subject property at which historic manufactured gas plant activities were conducted from at least 1871 to the early 1930s, with natural gas distribution continuing until at least 1959. Historic operations at the site resulted in releases of contaminants to the environment on the property.

Based on information provided by the Town, the Town took ownership of the property through tax taking in 2014, the property is enrolled in the Massachusetts voluntary cleanup program, and the level of assessment conducted to date is sufficient to design and initiate the proposed cleanup activities.

In Massachusetts, state and federal agencies have developed strong partnerships and work together to ensure that parties undertaking Brownfield projects have access to available resources and incentives. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), through our regional offices, provides technical support to Brownfield project proponents when regulatory issues arise. If this proposal is selected, MassDEP will work with our state and federal partners to support the Town of Ware to help make this project a success.

We greatly appreciate EPA’s continued support of Brownfield efforts in Massachusetts.

Sincerely, David Foss, CPG, LSP Statewide Brownfields Coordinator, Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup cc: Dorrie Paar, US EPA Saadi Motamedi, MassDEP Western Regional Office Caprice Shaw, MassDEP Western Regional Office Jay Mooney, Town of Ware

Attachment B

Ware, MA - EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application – NARRATIVE RANKING CRITERIA

1. PROJECT AREA DESCRIPTION AND PLANS FOR REVITALIZATION

a. Target Area and Brownfields

i. Overview of Brownfield Challenges and Description of Target Area - Ware, Massachusetts is a quintessential small rural mill town of only 10,066 residents located along the Ware River in rural west central Massachusetts, 70 miles west of Boston. However, like many small mill towns, the

Great Depression signaled its demise and Ware has struggled to bring vibrancy and revitalization back to the town ever since manufacturing and industry left the community, leaving several abandoned, contaminated properties behind. The Town was designated by its Board of Selectmen as a Slum & Blight Area in 2016, with the goal of accessing grant funds to improve the community.

Despite the plethora of absentee landlords, property neglect, and lack of private business investment, the Town of Ware – nationally known as “the town that can’t be licked” for banding together during the Great Depression, is determined to stop this downward spiral once again.

The Target Area is census tract 8201.02 – Block Group (BG) 1, which includes the disadvantaged neighborhood one quarter mile south of Main Street, where the Site, former Ware

Manufactured Gas Plant (WMGP) is located. The Target Area is home to low-income

Environmental Justice (EJ) residents as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is adjacent to census tract 8201.02 BG 3, which is an EJ population for both income and minority.

The target CT is also a disadvantaged community according to the Climate and Economic Justice

Tool https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#12.06/42.2574/-72.23 under the categories of energy burdens and low income.

Since Ware is a commercial and financial center for neighboring communities, this area is not only used by residents of the Target Area but by many people from throughout the region. There are 75 known release sites located in the town as identified by the Massachusetts Department of

Environmental Protection (MassDEP), including former mills, railyards, gas stations and automotive repair facilities, and other manufacturing / processing facilities. These properties are often contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs), heavy metals (lead and arsenic), petroleum, as well as hazardous building materials

(HBM), including asbestos, lead-based paint (LBP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The underserved communities that live, play, and/or work in the Target Area are exposed to these hazardous substances every day. This grant will help address some of the challenges and impacts the community has been suffering from by providing the funds necessary to clean up the site and reduce potential exposure risk to the public and sensitive populations and bringing a site back to beneficial reuse that will meet the community’s needs and aspirations for redevelopment.

ii. Description of the Proposed Brownfield Site(s) - The Proposed Brownfield Site, the former

Ware Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP), is a vacant, 1.26 acre, rectangular-shaped parcel of land located at 0 Monroe Street; parcel ID #56-142-1 (the Site). The Site is bordered by Memorial Field to the north (the town’s only athletic field for high school and Babe Ruth baseball, but also used extensively for football and soccer as well), the Ware River to the west, and residential properties to the east. The Site is also located within the 100-year flood plain of the Ware River and is in the

90-95th percentile of flood risk compared to the MA average according to EPA’s EJScreen tool.

The Site was historically operated as an MGP and distributor of propane for approximately 60 years between at least 1871 and 1930 by the Ware Gas Company. The town acquired the Site via tax title taking on April 24, 2014. Currently, there are no buildings located on the Site, however evidence of historical MGP structures is present in the northern and eastern portions of the Site, including three (3) foundations corresponding to the historical locations of gas holders. The https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#12.06/42.2574/-72.23 property is a known release site with MassDEP identified as Release Tracking Number (RTN) 1-

17892. Prior assessments include: 2009 (Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and Investigation

Report and Tier Classification, 2013 (Pit Assessment, Soil Borings, Well Installations, Groundwater Sampling; Soil & Wall Scrape), and the Phase II CSA completed 6/30/22. Releases appear to be associated with historical waste handling practices of the former coal tar operations and gas purifier wastes. The primary contaminants of concern (COCs) in soil and/or groundwater at the Site are PAHs, physiologically available cyanide (PAC), Extractable

Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH) and lead. PAC and PAHs are the predominant contaminants driving the need for remediation. The nature and extent of contamination includes: 1) Shallow soils

(0-3 feet bgs) at Site are broadly impacted with PAHs and lead; 2) Deeper soils (>3 feet bgs) are impacted with PAHs, EPH, PAC and coal tar; 3) Soils in eastern portion of Site include 3-13.5 feet of fill material with varying amounts of coal, coal clinkers, and brick; 4) Groundwater at Site is impacted with PAC, however data suggest impacts are likely not migrating off-Site. 5) Debris, including tar-coated brick & wood, mortar, concrete, and scrap metal related to historical on-Site demolition of former MGP structures, is present in surficial piles and within foundations of the former gas holders; and 6) Tar-like impacted materials are present in two former gas holders.

b. Revitalization of the Target Area

i. Reuse Strategy and Alignment with Revitalization Plans – Ware has a fierce sense of community and social cohesion that focuses on problem-solving and best practice efforts to make the most efficient use of limited community resources, and the town’s quality of life is highly dependent on its focus of outdoor recreational opportunities for all residents. The reuse strategy for the Ware

MPG Site is aligned with Ware’s overall goals, as outlined in its Master Plan and Open Space

& Recreation Plan, documenting the community’s vision of supporting recreational opportunities.

A survey completed in 2019 showed that residents want nearby safe recreational opportunities, and a common complaint of residents is the lack of parking at Memorial Field. The multipurpose court will provide recreational opportunities for local EJ residents, rather than forcing them to walk 1.5 miles away to Grenville Park and the only other multipurpose court in town. Future site improvements identified in the Town's 2016 Master Plan and OS&RP include creating a 5,600 sq.ft. hard top fenced in multi-purpose sports court (tennis, pickle ball), an ADA compliant access way between the Target Site and Memorial Field, a 39,000 sq.ft. space for parking, and installation of EV charging stations and solar lighting. Redevelopment plans will use green infrastructure, stormwater management and resiliency when feasible as part of its design. These future improvements will not only remove contaminant exposure and climate change risks to the community, but will also have a positive effect on the quality of life for area residents and increase real estate values, converting the currently vacant parcel into a beneficial reuse for the community.

With a new multipurpose court and additional parking, use of Memorial Field “complex” will be expanded for more community activities, summer and winter carnivals, and high school playoff games. According to the Ware Police Department, additional parking availability will greatly increase pedestrian safety in the area, as the current parking situation for Memorial Field results in most pedestrians parking on side streets in this tightly congested neighborhood, providing unsafe walking conditions. According to the Ware Parks Department, there is strong potential to host state athletic contests at adjacent Memorial Field, which could provide a huge economic boost to local eateries and other local businesses, but Site improvements need to be completed first.

This Site was identified as a priority redevelopment site in the 2014 Pioneer Valley Planning

Commission’s Regional Brownfield Plan; and the WMGP Project also aligns with two priorities of the MA Rural Policy Plan – Recreational Opportunities and the Economy – and will incorporate

Rural Policy Plan best practices. With this funding Ware will be able to clean up this site while simultaneously supporting the recreational opportunities for the community which will also have a positive economic impact on local businesses and restaurants.

ii. Outcomes and Benefits of Reuse Strategy – This project will be transformational and will not only remove blight but will connect the community to other valuable open spaces. The proposed redevelopment will support and provide additional recreational opportunities, which provides health benefits to the community, as well as improved access to safe greenspace at Memorial Field to support residents in the Target Area, the town, and region. Ware’s Reuse Strategy will cleanup and redevelop this underutilized property, protect human health and the environment, incorporate energy efficiency (EV charging stations, solar lighting) and sustainability measures, return it to productive use, remove blight, increase pride of ownership and raise local property values, and help spur economic activity and growth in the Target Area, which will in turn generate more local tax revenues. Though this project is not expected to cause the displacement of residents and/or businesses; proper strategies and/or policies will be implemented to minimize the displacement of residents and/or businesses if needed.

c. Strategy for Leveraging Resources

i. Resources Needed for Site Characterization - Throughout the last two decades, Ware has worked with local, federal, and state partners and has been very successful in leveraging funding from a variety of sources to assess the Target Site and improve infrastructure, capacity building, and nearby recreational opportunities available to Ware residents. The Town does not anticipate the need for additional site characterization at this time, however if additional assessment resources are needed, the Town will seek additional funds from the entities identified in the table below.

ii. Resources Needed for Site Remediation – At this time, EPA funding requested in this application is anticipated to be sufficient to complete the remediation of at the former MGP Site, obtain regulatory closure and ready the site for reuse. In the event that additional remediation resources are needed, the Town will seek additional funds from the entities identified in the table below.

iii. Resources Needed for Site Reuse – To support the reuse of the site and improve the adjacent

Memorial Field parcel, in October 2022 Ware was awarded a MA Parkland Acquisitions and

Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant of $84,360 for improvements to Memorial Field – to include a new resource efficient irrigation system for improved field maintenance, installation of a new basketball court, and improved ADA seating. These improvements are expected to be completed by June 30, 2024. The town has also applied for a Massachusetts Office of Disabilities

(MOD) planning grant which if awarded would assess all town-owned recreational sites with the goal of eventually upgrading them to meet ADA standards. As a host of hundreds of athletic contests per year – the Memorial Field site would be a high priority to receive ADA accessibility upgrades from an improved parking area at the former WMGP site.

MA Community One Stop Grant - Secured $74,000 for assessment activities completed at Site in June 2022. Supplemental funds for assessment or cleanup & reuse will be sought, if needed.

EPA Grant; MassDEP SARRS; Municipal/CDBG Funds – Potential supplemental funds for assessment will applied for and/or sought if needed.

MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Funds- Potential. Up to $100K in assessment and/or up to $500k for cleanup loans will be applied for if needed.

MA PARC Grant – Secured $120,514 ($84,360 grant + $36,154 match by Town) to support

Memorial Field “Complex” and overall reuse. Additional funds sought when appropriate.

MA Office of Disabilities (MOD) Planning Grant – Pending/Unsecure $43,125. ADA accessibility upgrades at Memorial Field Complex; additional funds to be pursued if appropriate.

Ware Community Development Authority – Secured $50K CDBG Program Income for reuse.

Remediation Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program income will be pursued, if necessary.

iv. Use of Existing Infrastructure – The Town will use existing municipal infrastructure readily available at the Target Site, such as water, sewer, gas, electricity and internet to support the proposed redevelopment and reuse activities at the Site. Existing infrastructure has the capacity to handle this expansion. The Town will also ensure that future infrastructure for redevelopment, such as stormwater retention, flood mitigation, and/or other environmental factors are designed to incorporate sustainable solutions by utilizing green infrastructure where feasible.

2. COMMUNITY NEED AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

a. Community Need

i. The Community’s Need for Funding – Ware’s Target Area, Census Tract 8201.02 – BG 1, does not have the funding to complete the cleanup and redevelopment of the Site without support from

EPA. According to most recent EJScreen data, the Target Area has a Disadvantaged EJ Population based on low income (87% compared to MA). Income levels in the Target Area are much lower than the state average. For example, 30% of the population has an income under $35,000, 45% of the population has an income under $50,000, and 65% of the population has an income under

$75,000. The poverty rate in the target area (18%) is nearly double the MA state rate (9.8%). The median household income ($42,905) is about half of the MA median household income ($84,385).

The high poverty rate in the target area is magnified due to the current state of the economy and significant inflation for basic necessities including food, energy, gas and healthcare that have further increased the burden on the underserved communities and sensitive populations. This tract also has a higher percentage of people ages 25 years or older whose education level is less than a high school diploma (12%) than the national average (10%); and has a much higher percentage of the population 15 or older not enrolled in college, university, or graduate school (93%).

The Target Area neighborhood and Town have been collaborating on the redevelopment at the former Ware MGP site since 2009, when the initial Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was completed, to both remedy the environmental hazards at the Site but to also increase recreational opportunities in the EJ neighborhood and bring a much-needed expansion of the adjacent Memorial

Field recreational complex. The redevelopment and connections from the Target Area site to the fields will be transformative and if not for the contamination, would have happened long ago.

Because Ware does not have the financial resources to address the required remediation on its own, Ware needs assistance from the EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant to remove blight, eliminate a health hazard for the abutting neighbors and to realize its goals and aspirations for its residents.

ii. Threats to Sensitive Populations

(1) Health or Welfare of Sensitive Populations – According to EJScreen Tool, the Target Area includes disproportionately high populations with elevated health risks and environmental sensitivities: 26% of the population are children under the age of 19 and 11% are seniors aged 65 or over including one resident who abuts the site. According to ACS data, within the Census Tract the low-income population is at the 85th percentile, unemployment is at the 83rd percentile, residents with less than high school diploma at the 68th % percentile, and the area is considered a

Food Desert. MA Dept. of Public Health data shows 39 women in Tract 8201.02 gave birth in

2019; with 33 (84%) receiving a form of public assistance. In 2020, 26 women in Tract 8201.02 gave birth and 20 (77%) were receiving some form of public assistance.

EJScreen demonstrates that environmental factors negatively impact the Target Area at higher rates than state (MA), EPA region, and country. Lead paint is in the 80th percentile compared to the MA average; ozone in the 69th percentile compared to the MA average; and Heart Disease in the 74th percentile as compared to MA average. Ironically, one of the threats to our youth population is seen as an economic driver within Ware, and the entire state of MA – the legalization of Marijuana.

The jury is still out, but with two retail establishments already open in Ware; and with several local cultivators also being operational; it’s imperative that the community continue to focus efforts on its goal of increasing recreational opportunities for all Ware youth.

This EPA Cleanup Grant will provide a healthier neighborhood and greater access to recreational opportunities for the underserved populations and vulnerable residents of this Target Area, helping to improve their health and well-being. The future addition of a new multipurpose court on the Site and improved access to adjacent Memorial Field upon completion of the project, is a direct benefit to the health and welfare of the town’s residents.

(2) Greater Than Normal Incidence of Disease and Adverse Health Conditions - Although statistics are limited, it is reasonable to presume Target Area residents are adversely affected from exposure to PAHs (liver disorders; cancer), PAC [typically associated with acute effects (i.e., can cause death) however, long term chronic exposure is associated with reproductive effects (USEPA, IRIS)], petroleum (nervous system, immune, liver, kidney, respiratory damage; cancer), metals

(immune, cardiovascular, developmental, gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive, respiratory, kidney damage; cancer) and VOCs (liver, kidney, nervous system damage; birth defects; cancer). Children in Ware are not screened for lead to the same extent as children across

MA; according to the MA Environmental Health Tracking Tool, the percentage of Ware residents ages 9-47 months old screened for lead in 2020 was 45.9% compared to the MA average of 64.5%.

The prevalence of estimated confirmed BLL >/= 5ug/dL for Ware residents in this category in

2020 was 51.3 (per 1000), compared to the MA rate of 13.3 (per 1000). The cleanup/redevelopment of the MGP site will reduce these threats, create reactional opportunities and improve overall health of Target Area residents. According to EJScreen, the Target Area’s rate of asthma is in the 90-95th percentile compared to the MA average; and a low life expectancy rate is in the 81st percentile compared to the MA average. According to the MA Environmental Health Tracking Tool https://matracking.ehs.state.ma.us/#MyPopup the number of asthma related emergency room visits for adults in Ware (per 10,000 people) is ~ twice as high as the MA average for both Males

- 120.8 (Ware) compared to 56.7 (MA) and Females – 128.4 (Ware) to 59.8 (MA). The asthma prevalence rate for K-8 students (per 100 students) is also higher in Ware (16.2) than in MA (12.1).

(3) Promoting Environmental Justice - Equal access to open space and clean livable neighborhoods is a basic right for all residents, and current conditions violate this EJ principal. This census tract is a disadvantaged community based on the Climate and Economic Justice Tool; (energy cost at the 93rd percentile, and low income at the 69th percentile compared to the nation). In addition, housing costs are at the 86th percentile, lead paint at the 86th percentile, asthma at the 87th percentile, heart disease 69th percentile, low life expectancy 77th percentile, ozone at the 81st percentile, and lead paint at the 74th percentile. The grant will remove blight, remove contaminated soil, remove residual coal tar and will eliminate a health hazard that is denying an amenity to those residents. By cleaning up the site and providing a new recreational facility, open space will spur https://matracking.ehs.state.ma.us/#MyPopup economic opportunities in the Target Area, which will generate local tax revenue for the Town while supporting the recreational opportunities available at Memorial Field. The finished product will be done in an environmentally friendly way so to encourage EV use and so that heat island effects and runoff will be minimal.

b. Community Engagement

i. Project Involvement and ii. Project Roles – The town has worked diligently with stakeholders since 2009 to refine development objectives for the MGP Site. Ware has ongoing community engagement activities regarding the cleanup and reuse of the site. The town has hosted many meetings regarding the community’s needs to redevelop the Target Area, and also presented the draft cleanup plan and ABCA to residents in November 2022. The town will keep the community informed on a regular basis over the course of the four (4) year project performance period by engaging the Brownfields Advisory Committee (BAC) stakeholders listed below:

Organization Point of Contact Specific Involvement in the Project

Ware Parks

Commission

Bill Imbier imbierw@gmail.com

413-967-9648

BAC member; attend, and host community outreach meetings; provide project updates on social media; assist with cleanup and reuse planning related activities

Ware Business

& Civic

Association

Dan Flynn

Scoutdad281@charter.net

413-297-5886

Nonprofit economic development organization, participate on BAC; attend, and host community outreach meetings; provide project updates on social media

St. Mary’s

Church of

Ware

Fr. Piotr Pawlus

Stmaryschurch60@gmail.com

413-967-5913

Educate & engage local residents and EJ populations as part of the cleanup and/or reuse planning; participate on

BAC; attend, and host community outreach meetings

UConn TAB

Program

Nefeli Bompoti nefeli.bompoti@uconn.edu

860-486-0611

Assist with community engagement, educate & obtain feedback from local residents & EJ populations as part of the cleanup/reuse planning process.

Pioneer Valley

Planning

Commission

Tiffany Menard tmenard@pvpc.org

413-781-6045

Regional Planning Commission; support reuse planning and other decision-making processes; BAC member;

assist with outreach activities & potential funding sources

Quaboag Hills

Substance Use

Alliance

Gail Gramarossa; Prevention

Director (413) 387-3026 ggramarossa@townofware.com

Nonprofit, focused on supporting youth recreational initiatives; Participate on Brownfields Advisory

Committee; attend, host, and publicize project

Ware Youth

Baseball &

Football

Shawn Clark, President sclark@northernconstruction.co m; 413-531-4434

Nonprofit, supports youth recreational opportunities;

participate on BAC; attend, and host community outreach meetings; provide project updates on social media

Ware Public

Schools

Tom Shamgochian, Athlet. Dir.

tshamgochian@ware.k12.ma.us

413-967-6234

Local Public HS, supports school sports and youth recreational opportunities; participate on BAC; attend, and host community outreach meetings

iii. Incorporating Community Input –Ware uses several methods to engage and receive feedback from stakeholders, including the town’s website, virtual engagement, and in person meetings. Ware will provide project updates and solicit stakeholder feedback through its website, social media page, and BAC quarterly project meetings, so that interested parties from all economic strata can participate. Due to COVID-19, Ware adapted its outreach to address health and safety concerns and has hosted many virtual meetings. By embracing technology, the feedback and participation in community outreach using digital technology has been very successful. Participation has increased and the community engagement has been valuable. Ware has hosted presentations regarding the Target Area and how it dovetails with Memorial Field, including the ABCA mailto:imbierw@gmail.com mailto:Scoutdad281@charter.net mailto:Stmaryschurch60@gmail.com mailto:nefeli.bompoti@uconn.edu mailto:tmenard@pvpc.org mailto:ggramarossa@townofware.com mailto:sclark@northernconstruction.com mailto:sclark@northernconstruction.com mailto:tshamgochian@ware.k12.ma.us presentation, which was very well received. Stakeholder feedback is welcome and is incorporated into the redevelopment plan for the Target Area.

3. TASK DESCRIPTIONS, COST ESTIMATES, AND MEASURING PROGRESS

a. Proposed Cleanup Plan –- Goals of project are to protect human health and the environment and redevelop an underutilized property for active and passive recreational use. Objective is to remove targeted impacted soils that pose a potential exposure risk to future users, because the Site is not suitable for such reuse without the removal of the highly contaminated soils. Once cleanup is complete, regulatory site closure can be achieved with the MassDEP in accordance with the

Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP; 310 CMR 40.0000); Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP).

The proposed plan includes targeted removal of 600 cubic yards of PAC-impacted soils, up to 5 feet below ground surface (ft. bgs) that pose the greatest potential exposure risk to future users of the Site. Impacted soils will be disposed of at licensed facilities in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Prior to soil removal activities, surficial debris, and portions of the former MGP holder foundations will be required to be removed to access contamination at the Site. This material will be transported off-Site for disposal and/or beneficially reused on-Site in accordance with state and federal regulations. Confirmatory sampling will be required to evaluate remaining soil conditions and associated risk. Up to an additional ~690 tons of PAH/PAC/EPH/lead impacted soil may be excavated and removed from the Site and replaced with clean backfill to prepare the Site for redevelopment, including proposed stormwater detention areas. A Method 3 Risk

Characterization will be conducted using post-remediation data. As Site-wide contaminant concentrations will not be reduced to below the threshold for unrestricted use; institutional controls in the form of a deed restriction, known as an Activity and Use Limitation (AUL), will be required to mitigate exposure to remaining impacted soils and maintain a condition of “No Significant Risk” under the Massachusetts MCP/VCP. This is an effective way to remove highly impacted soils which are contributing to Site-wide contamination and reduce overall exposure concentrations across the Site.

b. Description of Tasks/Activities and Outputs

i. Project Implementation/ii Anticipated Project Schedule/ iii. Task Activity Lead/iv. Outputs

Task #1 – Cooperative Agreement Oversight

EPA funded tasks/activities: Manage and conduct cooperative agreement (CA) oversight activities to include: EPA Reporting (ACRES, MBE/WBE, FFR, Quarterly Reports, Close Out); Procure and

Manage qualified environmental professional (QEP); Conduct financial reporting and drawdowns;

Establish information repository/public website and maintain project files; Project coordination with stakeholders; Ensure program remains on schedule/budget. Travel and attend National Conference.

Non- EPA grant resources needed: Ware will provide in-kind services (staff time, travel, materials) for additional activities not budgeted as part of this task through municipal operating budget.

Anticipated Project Schedule: Task will be completed over the four (4) year grant performance period (10/1/23-9/30/27). Ware anticipates completing the procurement of a QEP by September 2026. Quarterly reports will be submitted within 30 days of the end of each quarter, and MBE/WBE and FRR reports annually. An ACRES property profile will be created upon grant award and will be updated at regular intervals as project cleanup and development milestones are achieved.

Task/Activity Lead(s): Ware will lead oversight tasks to ensure compliance with Brownfields

Programmatic Requirements. QEP will support Ware and provide information and updates to

ACRES and annual reports, and general programmatic assistance related tasks and activities.

Output(s): EPA Reporting (ACRES/DBE/FRR reports, 16 Quarterly Reports, Closeout

Report), QEP procurement, drawdown requests, C.A. oversight and attend National Brownfields

Conference.

Task #2 - Community Outreach & Engagement EPA funded tasks/activities: Community outreach and engagement activities will be conducted end of June 2026-early December 2027. Town will establish a repository. The QEP, in collaboration with the Town, will prepare a community relations plan (CRP) which will detail the steps to ensure adequate public notice and opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the proposed cleanup/reuse plan. Reports and other materials be posted to the Town’s website. Notice of the updated ABCA and CRP will be provided and presented at a public meeting published with a 30-day comment period for members of the community to provide their input.

Written responses to public comment will be provided and incorporated into the finalized

CRP and ABCA. The Town Brownfields Advisory Committee (BAC) will hold meetings regularly to ensure progress and goals are met.

Non- EPA grant resources needed: Ware will provide in-kind services (staff time, travel, materials) for additional activities not budgeted as part of this task through municipal operating budget.

Anticipated Project Schedule: Activities conducted over 4-yr grant period, or until all cleanup grant activities are completed, whichever comes first. Outreach anticipated to be conducted at project milestones - End of August 2026: Present CRP and updated ABCA.

Late Sept. 2026: Pre-cleanup/reuse planning update. Late January 2027/Early March 2027;

Post cleanup.

Task/Activity Lead(s): Ware will lead community engagement activities. QEP will generate the CRP and provide technical support at meetings. Ware will review deliverables to ensure compliance state/federal Brownfields Programmatic Requirements. BAC will provide outreach support to Town.

Output(s): Outreach materials, website updates, public notices, meeting presentation materials, social media posts. Three (3) public meetings held at key project milestones.

Task #3 – Site Specific Cleanup Activities

EPA funded tasks/activities: QEP will prepare documentation required for cleanup implementation, including the final ABCA, Health and Safety Plan (HASP), QAPP, Engineering

Plans & Specifications, and MCP/VCP required Release Abatement Measure (RAM) Plan. Ware will prepare public bid package with support from QEP for the procurement of…