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CC 0 -CROSS OUT ENTIRE LINE WHEN RECEIVED- LAND -USE UNTIL ALL LINES ARE FL DFtiVER TO DEPARTMENT SENT EY DEi SCANNN9 Ic 1- -- U -- F I V7- - T ~~ ~ t1,--\4-4-~ ~ ~ TJ~ F1r ti or C NI.-' I "-. WL/ v_ I (A r r~~ _ _ __t_ _ _ _ _ _ _ A- % -1 4_ kDbn We Want You to Know This is one of a series of information sheets that explain some of the many steps being taken in the cleanup of the former Henry Wood's Sons paint factory site on the Wellesley College campus. In this update, we want you to know about our efforts to determine possible risks to the environment in the site area. This update has been prepared by Wellesley College. An Ecological Risk Assessment of the Former Henry Wood's Sons Paint Factory Site at Wellesley College Our efforts to monitor, test and clean up contamination on the site are subject to the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP), which is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In Phase Si- II of the MCP, the College undertook a Comprehensive Site Investigation, to determine the nature and extent of .. .. - ozai!~ metal contamination resulting from the former factory's operations. GO- Using information derived from our extensive testing of soils, sediments, groundwater and surface water in the area, the College developed a Comprehensive Human Health Risk Assessment, which is explained in a separate update. The College also undertook an Ecological Risk Assessment, to identify and address potential risks to the environment in Lake Waban, Paintshop Pond, the uplands and the wetlands. The Risk Assessment Process An Ecological Risk Assessment is a process that evaluates the likelihood that adverse ecological effects may aa2i1flsO~Pe~p occur, or are occurring, as a result of exposure to one or more stressors. These stressors may be chemical, physical or biological. This Ecological Risk Assessment used an approach that involved visual observations, field sampling, toxicity testing and chemical and-statistical analysis. What We lEvaluated r We evaluated risks, based on possible harmful effects to ,Fish and Wildlife Species, Habitat, and the Ecosystem. Wildlife Species include the birds Habitat is the area where wildlife and Ecosystem refers to the relationship that either live or feed in the uplands, plant species'live and reproduce, and and interdependency among wetlands, Lake Waban and Paintshop includes the uplands;.wetlands, Lake interacting species (animals, plants, Pond; mammals such as chipmunks, Waban and Paintshop Pond. physical environment in GOW~I1JrnUa~§i~W~U etc.) and the voles and red foxes that live or which they exist. This includes the food feed in the uplands and wetlands; chain, where animals eat fish that have , I amphibians such as frogs that live- eaten plants, which have accumulated and feed in the wetlands and the fish metal contamination. The ecosystem and clams of -Lake Waban and- N. / includes all areas of the uplands, Paintshop Pond. ' ..Awetlands Lake Waban and Paintshop Pond. .................... .. .. ...........~~~~~~~................. ....................... .......I.............. ...... ....... ...... .................. .. ............ .. ... ...... I...... ................... .......... The Ecological Risk Assessment considered these habitats and species At Lake Waban we evaluated the following: In the wetlands we evaluated: The ability of warm water fish species, typically found in similar The presence and condition of vegetation typical of recreational ponds in New England, to live and reproduce. similar wetlands environments. The protection of wildlife species (e.g. waterfowl, including birds The ability of wildlife, typical of similar wetlands environrnents, to such as ducks and heron) that may use the Lake as a habitat. live and reproduce. - The presence of endangered and threatened species. The maintenance of wetlands and wetlands functions. (such as the protection of drinking water and groundwater, flood At Paintshop Pond we evaluated the same criteria as for Lake prevention, pollution and storm damage control, protection of Waban. fisheries and wildlife). In the uplands we evaluated: The presence of endangered and threatened species. The presence and condition of vegetation (e.g., trees and shrubs), typical of other forested areas, that border on lakes and ponds. The ability of local wildlife, typical of these areas, to live and reproduce. The presence of endangered and threatened species. Resulfts of the IEcologica Risk Assessment I>- I.'-, ~ in Lake Waihan Fish The numbers and types of fish found are comparable to those found in similar bodies of water. The fishire accumulating metals in their systems at levels above those found in fish living in similar bodies of water. Some fish are growing more slowlyThere has also been a reduction in the numbers of amphipods, one source of prey for fish. Wildlife Food chain modeling predicted potential risks (non-lethal effects) for birds and mammals that feed on the -oots of aquatic plants. No risks were identified for other birds and mammals using the Lake as a food source (i.e. eating aquatic plant leaves and stems, or clams) or as a habitat. Surface Water The surface water of the Lake exceeds Ambient Water Quality /f Criteria for lead and other metals at a few locations. M ~mm 3 m In Paintshop Pond Fish & Wildlife There appear to be low or negligible risks to fish and wildlife using the Pond as a food source or habitat. Surface Water Some surface water exceeds Ambient Water Quality Criteria. In the Uplands Wildlife Bird and mammal populations appear similar to those of other New England areas, with the possible exception of fewer chipmunks than expected inside the fenced area. Earthworms are accumulating metals. Food chain modeling predicts risks to wildlife that eat plants and earthworms at the former paint factory location. There is low potential risk predicted for other species (such as a red fox) that eat small mammals. Plant Life Evidence of the effects of contamination is seen in wooded areas of the uplands, immediately south of Paintshop Pond (in the area of former paint factory). Vegetation there is stressed and thinner than expected. Plants in the uplands are accumulating metals. En the Wetlands Wildlife Bird and mammal populations appear similar to those of other New England wetlands. There are far fewer frogs present than expected. Earthworms are accumulating metals. Plant Life The types, numbers and conditions of plants and other vegetation are similar to other New England wetlands. Plants are accumulating metals. Water Some metal concentrations are elevated above Ambient Water Quality Criteria. Wetlands Functions With the exception of flood control, wetlands functions have been compromised, due to the presence of contaminants. There are no known endangered species in Lake Waban, Paintshop Pond, the uplands or the wetlands. This is one in a series of information sheets designed to answer some of the questions that you and your neighbors. may have, regarding the former paint factory site and the cleanup process. We recognize that keeping an open dialogue with you is an essential part of our commitment to safeguarding human health, the environment and community well-being. If you would like more information, please contact: Mr. Barry Monahan Mr. Steven Johnson Assistant Vice President for Administration Massachusetts Department.of Environmental Protection - Wellesley College 205 Lowell Street 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481 . Wilmington, MA 01887 (781) 283-2386 (978) 661-7710 (0 = 0 o So o 00 2C2 -) o a fi C E £2a C) a E Ect E -ca "90 E E I0.r0 E $* E 6oE- E C) E C o *E- wE8C)DC C. 3 - C-E2 C Cr ~ .9 0 o 0C o-E O6, E0) gK Q) z lQ c E 4-* -c"a E 6) E 2 C 0 c C o COD o 5 E cv"2 1c o - E E to S oio .5 E E -i EcU (Icr E wo3 .- o -. 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