Colrain acid spill update
This story is via Connecticut River Conservancy
In the fall of 2019, the Barnhardt Manufacturing plant in Colrain, MA leaked sulfuric acid into the North River. The spill killed fish and other aquatic wildlife like frogs and crayfish. Currently, MassDEP has not released any public information about enforcement.
However, through publicly available documents, Connecticut River Conservancy has learned that the acid spill was estimated to be 60 gallons. Contaminated soil has been neutralized, contained, and stored on-site in preparation for future disposal. The faulty, leaking tank was pumped out and removed, and the retaining wall around the tank demolished.
Cleanup work and testing will continue at the site until at least this spring. It appears that Barnhardt’s follow-up work has been thorough.
However, enforcement should be proportionate to the terrible ecological impact of the spill. We will continue to monitor this situation until it is properly resolved and will keep you updated.