Agency proposes restoration, environmental education in plan for Woonasquatucket River watershed

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to use about $90,000 of the Centredale Manor Superfund Site’s natural resource damage settlement with two of the responsible parties to fund habitat improvements and educational opportunities along the Woonasquatucket River adjacent to the Manton Fish Ladder in Johnson.

The projects are outlined in a draft restoration plan released for public comment through Friday, July 26.

The intent of these projects is to restore, replace or acquire natural resources and natural resource services that were harmed by the release of hazardous substances from the superfund site in North Providence.

“The restoration projects proposed in the draft plan would improve habitat for fish and wildlife along the Woonasquatucket River, restore native wildflowers to benefit bees and butterflies, and provide an outdoor classroom area where children and adults can reconnect with the natural world,” said Tom Chapman, supervisor of the Service’s New England Field Office.

The nine-acre Centredale Manor Superfund Site is located along the Woonasquatucket River in North Providence. The operation of various industrial facilities dating back to 1921 contaminated the river and adjacent wetland habitats with dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and mercury. The river, wetlands and sediments were contaminated, which in turn affected the fish and wildlife that rely upon these habitats.

In 2005, the Service entered into a settlement with two of the responsible parties, recovering $130,000 in damages as compensation for natural resource injuries. The Service consulted with local environmental groups and state and federal agencies to identify, explore and develop restoration project ideas.

The draft document is available for a 30-day public comment period at fws.gov/newengland. Hard copies are available at the Providence Public Library and the Marian J. Mohr Memorial Library in Johnson.

Comments can be submitted in writing to Andrew Major, 70 Commercial St., Concord, NH 03301, or by email to andrew_major@fws.gov.

A final plan will be issued after public comments are considered by the Service. The Service will then begin to implement the approved restoration projects in coordination with local conservation organizations.

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