EPA Implements Updated Cleanup Approach to Address Groundwater Contamination at Baird & McGuire Superfund Site
BOSTON (Oct. 5, 2026) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected an interim cleanup plan for groundwater at the Baird & McGuire Superfund Site located in Holbrook, Massachusetts.
After approximately 25 years of active site remediation, contaminant levels at the site have decreased, but groundwater remains impacted. In 2023, EPA began a Focused Feasibility Study (FFS) to evaluate additional cleanup options, and in 2026 selected a new cleanup approach based on the evaluations performed during the FFS.
"We've made real progress at the Baird & McGuire Site, but we need a different approach to address the groundwater contamination that remains," said EPA Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. "This updated plan will move the cleanup forward and put us on a better path toward restoring the groundwater to drinking water standards."
The updated cleanup plan is based on past investigations, a pilot test, updated human health and ecological risk assessments, the 2026 FFS, and comments received on EPA's Proposed Plan during a 37-day public comment period. This cleanup plan is formally called an Interim Record of Decision Amendment for Operable Unit 1 (Groundwater and Surface Water).
EPA's interim cleanup plan includes:
- Treating polluted groundwater directly underground. This includes injecting sulfate into groundwater to help naturally break down harmful chemicals and to trap arsenic so it cannot spread.
- Additional cleanup options for reducing arsenic contamination may involve:
- Cleaning groundwater using filters designed to remove arsenic, and/or
- Underground treatment using air or a special barrier that helps capture arsenic until groundwater conditions improve.
EPA will continue to track groundwater and see whether pollution outside the treatment areas is decreasing enough for groundwater to achieve drinking water standards. EPA will also watch for any signs that contamination is spreading to the bedrock groundwater.
EPA will also continue to use groundwater use restrictions and engineered barriers that prevent people from using contaminated groundwater and keep activities from disturbing the pollution plume. These protective measures will remain in place until cleanup goals are met.
EPA estimates the interim cleanup plan including construction, operation, maintenance, and long-term monitoring will cost about $7.1 million.
More information
A copy of the interim cleanup plan, the Administrative Record supporting the cleanup plan, and other background information about the Baird & McGuire Superfund Site can be found at: www.epa.gov/superfund/baird
Background
The Baird & McGuire Superfund Site is located at 775 South Street in Holbrook, Massachusetts. Baird & McGuire Company, Inc. operated a chemical mixing and batching operation at the Site for approximately 71 years. Manufactured products included herbicides, pesticides, disinfectants, soaps, floor waxes, and solvents.
Operations from the facility resulted in contaminant releases to soil and groundwater. Site-related contamination includes various volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs), pesticides, and arsenic.
Record of Decision Administrative Record:
Baird & McGuire Interim Record of Decision Amendment Administrative Record