EPA Issues Explanation of Significant Differences for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site
BOSTON, MASS. (Oct. 14, 2025) –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 makes three modifications to the 1998 Upper and Lower Harbor Record of Decision.
The changes 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 to scope, performance, or cost. A final decision was made after consideration of public comments.
Copies of the ESD, Administrative Record, and other background information about the Site can be found at www.epa.gov/new-bedford-harbor.