EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The closure and cleanup of the former Trans-Load America/Pond View recycling facility on Dexter Road has been completed, the state Department of Environmental Management announced Friday.
DEM said that during the past four months, the site's new property owner removed 12,524 tons of material from the once-controversial facility, including 46 truckloads of wood, 105 railcars carrying construction and demolition debris, 42 truckloads containing debris with a dirt-like consistency, and 220 tons of metal.
All the materials were what was left behind when TLA/Pond View ceased operations in September 2012, six months after going into receivership.
"DEM has monitored progress closely, and at a recent site visit, it was evident the the debris had been removed as planned. I am pleased to see the progress and believe the closure operation has been successful," said DEM director Janet Coit.
The DEM is awaiting the results of tests of ground and surface water samples taken at the site. The agency said the new owner will be free to perform any activities on the site that are allowed under local ordinances and state laws.
By Richard C. Dujardin