By Ruth Melville

Last month’s successful removal of the 19th-century gas generator discovered during the Norfolk Library’s restoration project was a relief to the library and the town. But even after the dismantled tank and gas-impacted debris—sealed in 11 55-gallon drums—was transported to a hazardous waste facility in Ohio, there was further environmental work to be done.

Under the direction of Berkshire Environmental Services & Technology, of Torrington, soil boring samples were taken at 10 different locations at a depth of up to 16 feet to determine the extent of soil contamination at the site and the estimated area of excavation required. Twelve dump truck loads of contaminated soil were then removed to a waste management facility in Meriden, final samples were taken, and clean fill was brought in by O’Connor Brothers. Monitoring wells were installed as part of the remediation follow-up. A groundwater well survey will also be conducted to make sure, although it is highly unlikely, that there are no old wells still in use.

Although work on the handicapped-access ramp has been able to go ahead, these unanticipated problems with the old gas generator have necessarily delayed the library restoration project. As Hope Childs, president of the library board of trustees, says, “The whole thing has been a huge wrench in the process.”

Also distressing to the library are the additional costs. Ann Havemeyer, director of the library, wrote to State Representative Roberta Willis to see whether there was any state or federal money available to help pay for the soil remediation. Willis called the commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, who referred the library to the Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development. At this point, it is still unclear whether the library will qualify for a grant, since assistance is usually given to sites that will be cleaned up for redevelopment.