Shpack Landfill
Also Known As: Metal and Controls Nuclear Corp., Texas Instruments, M & C Nuclear
State: Massachusetts
Location: Norton
Time Period: AWE 1960-1965; Residual Radiation 1966-March 1, 2011
Facility Type: Atomic Weapons Employer
Facility Description
The Shpack Landfill began operating as a private landfill in the early 1960s and received both industrial and domestic wastes. The landfill was closed in 1965 under court order. In 1978, a concerned citizen who had detected elevated radiation levels at the site contacted the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Commission investigated the site and confirmed the presence of radioactivity in excess of natural background levels for the area. Exactly when these contaminants were deposited at the site is not known. However, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission determined that the Texas Instruments plant (see Metals and Controls Corp.) of Attleboro had used the landfill to dispose of trash and other materials. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission concluded that the contaminants probably resulted from this waste stream.
During the period of residual contamination, as designated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and as noted in the dates above,employees of subsequent owners and operators of this facility are also covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
Discussion
Residues and waste containing uranium (enriched to > 90%), thorium, and radium have been detected in the soil and groundwater of the site. Radiological surveys taken in the late 1970s revealed extensive contamination at the landfill.
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Site Description
The Shpack Landfill covers 9.4 acres, most of which are within the Town of Norton , with the remaining 2 acres in the City of Attleboro. The landfill was operated from 1946 until the 1970s. This landfill received domestic and industrial waste, including inorganic and organic chemicals, as well as radioactive waste. The area near the site includes a wooded swamp. Approximately 40,000 people live within a 3-mile radius of the site. Municipal water supplies for both townships do not extend to the area around the site. Therefore, residents in this area use private drinking water wells, most of which withdraw water from the bedrock aquifer. The distance from Shpack Landfill to the nearest residential well is about 150 feet. There are 27 private wells within 1 mile of the site that serve 103 people. The two municipal water supply well fields for Norton are situated in the shallow aquifer and are located 3 miles east and 5 1/4 miles northeast of the area. Municipal well fields for Attleboro also are completed in the shallow aquifer and are located 12,000 feet and 24,000 feet west of the study area. The Shpack Landfill directly borders the 55-acre Attleboro Landfill Inc. facility.
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Listing
Shpack Landfill is listed as an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) site under the EEOICPA.
Shpack Landfill Workers
If you or your parent worked at this or any other AWE facility and became ill, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $150K plus medical benefits from the US Department of Labor. Call EEOICPA Counsel Hugh Stephens at 1-855-EEOICPA (336-4272) or fill out the form to the right, even if your claim has been accepted or denied.
We can help with all OWCP (Federal Workers Compensation) claims, impairments, wage loss and health care. 2495 Main Street, Suite 442 Buffalo, NY.
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Contact Us
Address:
2495 Main Street, Suite 442
Buffalo, New York 14214
Phone:
(716) 852-7590
Fax:
(716) 852-7599
After Hours:
(716) 208-3525
Email Us:
R. William Stephens, Esq.
R. Hugh Stephens, Esq.
Lisa P. Neff, Esq.
