Seventh Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site

Seventh Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the seventh Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site. The seventh ESD memorializes three modifications to the 1998 Upper and Lower Harbor Record of Decision, which include making 10 interim sediment caps permanent, changing the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) cleanup level for the intertidal shoreline from 50 parts per million (ppm) to 25 ppm in the areas adjacent to the proposed River Walk, and authorizing land-use controls to limit exposure to sediments within the intertidal and subtidal zones where sediments do not meet the residential PCB cleanup level of 1 ppm. The selection of a different, documented remedial alternative represents a significant change to the Selected Remedy, as specified in the ROD, but not a fundamental change with regard to scope, performance, or cost. Copies of the ESD, Administrative Record, and other background information about Superfund activities can be found at www.epa.gov/new-bedford-harbor. These documents can also be viewed online at the site's information repository located at the New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant Street, 2nd Floor Reference Department, New Bedford, MA 02740; 508-961-3067. October 7 2025 LNEO0382698