Seekonk Officials Demand Action on Rehoboth Sludge

The Seekonk Board of Selectmen intends to contact the state’s Department of Environmental Protection in an effort to remove the sludge dumped in wetlands in Rehoboth. Approximately 300 truckloads of sewage sludge were dumped by a company called EarthSource last March. The DEP has agreed to take oversight of the testing and removal from the Rehoboth Conservation Commission.

At an August 9 joint meeting between the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission, representatives from the Board of Health, the Water Commission, the Agricultural Commission, and the Planning Board discussed the potential impacts on local wells. The DEP had tested the sludge because of the huge size of the alteration of wetlands, which ended up being seven acres. Two samples were taken.

Selectman David Andrade, who owns property across the street from the dump site on Almeida Road, attended the meeting and briefed his fellow board members last Wednesday. Andrade couldn’t comprehend why the DEP would leave the material in place, which could result in further contamination of the groundwater, when it would be easier to remove it and store it somewhere else.

“If they’re concerned about the environment and they’re concerned about the residents’ drinking water, why is it taking six months for them (to address the problem),” said Chairman Justin Sullivan.

“We’ve got to protect our residents,” said Selectman Adam Petronio. “I want to know what efforts are being (made) for our residents to have safe drinking water.”

Andrade noted his frustration when communicating with representatives of DEP: “They weren’t aware that any Seekonk residents were (impacted). They weren’t aware that Seekonk was an issue which is why I believe the town was not notified (earlier).” Andrade said residents who would like their wells tested are free to contact the town’s Conservation Agent and the Board of Health.