Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics: Scientists Find More Active Black Holes in Dwarf and Milky Way-sized Galaxies By Cutting Through Glare of Star Formation
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Jan. 9 -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
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Scientists Find More Active Black Holes in Dwarf and Milky Way-sized Galaxies By Cutting Through Glare of Star Formation
A new census of more than 8,000 galaxies finds active black holes rising in frequency with galaxy mass, jumping sharply in galaxies similar in mass to the Milky Way
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Astronomers have completed the most comprehensive census of active galactic nuclei (AGN) to date, providing the clearest picture yet of the probability that galaxies of different sizes
... Show Full Article
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Jan. 9 -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
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Scientists Find More Active Black Holes in Dwarf and Milky Way-sized Galaxies By Cutting Through Glare of Star Formation
A new census of more than 8,000 galaxies finds active black holes rising in frequency with galaxy mass, jumping sharply in galaxies similar in mass to the Milky Way
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Astronomers have completed the most comprehensive census of active galactic nuclei (AGN) to date, providing the clearest picture yet of the probability that galaxies of different sizeshost active black holes.
The results show that AGN are more common in dwarf galaxies than most previous surveys suggested, but also reveal a sharp increase in AGN frequency in galaxies around the same mass as the Milky Way.
The new census was presented today in a press conference at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix, Arizona.
Scientists from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reassessed more than 8,000 nearby galaxies for black hole activity. While most previous work found about ten active black holes in every 1,000 dwarf galaxies, the new census puts the number closer to between 20 and 50. That's still far behind the 16-27%of medium-sized galaxies and 20-48%of large galaxies that show signs of AGN activity.
"The intense jump in AGN activity between dwarf galaxies and mid-sized, or transitional galaxies tells us something important is changing between the two," said Mugdha Polimera, an astronomer at the CfA and the lead author of the new census. "It could be a shift in the galaxies themselves, or a sign that we're still not catching everything in the smaller ones and need better detection methods. Either way, it's a new clue we can't ignore."
The team grouped the galaxies by mass and used the latest innovations in analysis of optical, infrared, and X-ray data to catch even the faintest signs of black hole activity. The findings give scientists a stronger starting point for figuring out how black holes form and grow, helping them cut through the glare of star formation to understand what's really happening in the hearts of nearby galaxies.
"Cutting through the glare of star formation reveals massive black holes that have slipped under the radar in dwarfs, but we're still trying to figure out why black holes are suddenly more common in galaxies like our own," said Sheila J. Kannappan, professor of physics and astronomy at UNC and co-author of the new census. "We believe that the Milky Way was formed from many smaller galaxies that merged, so the dwarf galaxies' massive black holes should have merged to form the Milky Way's supermassive black hole. These results are essential for testing models of black hole origins and their role in shaping galaxies."
Because vigorous star formation can hide faint accreting black holes, these new percentages are approximate and as observations become more complete, the team suspects the census will change. The team is currently in the process of releasing the processed measurements used in the study to allow other researchers to reproduce and expand on the results.
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About the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaboration between Harvard and the Smithsonian designed to ask--and ultimately answer--humanity's greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. The Center for Astrophysics is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with research facilities across the U.S. and around the world.
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Original text here: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/scientists-find-more-active-black-holes-dwarf-and-milky-way-sized-galaxies-cutting-through-glare
VIDEO: Amtrak's Transformative Renovation of Philadelphia's Gray 30th Street Station
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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VIDEO: Amtrak's Transformative Renovation of Philadelphia's Gray 30th Street Station
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Amtrak's transformative modernization project will preserve this historic landmark while improving the travel experience for millions of Amtrak, SEPTA, and NJ TRANSIT customers.
Nearly 500,000 square feet of renovated space will bring new shops, restaurants and Amtrak corporate office space, as well as a reimagined Market Street Plaza, all while creating local construction jobs and supporting economic growth.
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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VIDEO: Amtrak's Transformative Renovation of Philadelphia's Gray 30th Street Station
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Amtrak's transformative modernization project will preserve this historic landmark while improving the travel experience for millions of Amtrak, SEPTA, and NJ TRANSIT customers.
Nearly 500,000 square feet of renovated space will bring new shops, restaurants and Amtrak corporate office space, as well as a reimagined Market Street Plaza, all while creating local construction jobs and supporting economic growth.The project will be completed in phases, with full completion expected in late 2028.
We're building a new era of rail in Philadelphia and beyond. Learn more at AmtrakNewEra.com.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/01/video-amtraks-transformative-renovation-of-philadelphias-gray-30th-street-station/
On One-Year Anniversary of California Wildfires, SBA Extends Disaster Relief Deadlines as Local Bureaucrats Stall Recovery
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release on Jan. 7, 2026:
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On One-Year Anniversary of California Wildfires, SBA Extends Disaster Relief Deadlines as Local Bureaucrats Stall Recovery
Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles County wildfires, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is once again extending disaster relief deadlines for survivors amid state and local permitting delays that have prevented rebuilding for thousands of residents. This action will allow homeowners and business owners to draw down their
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release on Jan. 7, 2026:
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On One-Year Anniversary of California Wildfires, SBA Extends Disaster Relief Deadlines as Local Bureaucrats Stall Recovery
Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles County wildfires, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is once again extending disaster relief deadlines for survivors amid state and local permitting delays that have prevented rebuilding for thousands of residents. This action will allow homeowners and business owners to draw down theirapproved SBA loan funds, including Home and Business Physical Disaster Loans, until June 30, 2026.
In total, SBA has approved over $3.2 billion in funding for Los Angeles County - representing over half of all disaster assistance delivered by the agency in Fiscal Year 2025.
"The wildfire recovery effort in California has been a national disgrace under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. While the Trump Administration surged every imaginable resource to the state - including an unprecedented $3.2 billion in SBA loans - virtually zero survivors have been able to rebuild due to local permitting backlogs," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Once again, the SBA is extending deadlines to give innocent residents more time to secure their permits and access the loans they need to begin construction. But make no mistake: Los Angeles will remain devastated as long as its state and local leaders continue to impose bureaucracy and stall recovery."
Typically, disaster survivors have six months from the date of SBA loan approval to fully disburse their approved funds. The agency initially extended its disaster loan disbursement deadlines in October of last year after determining that "extraordinary" delays for rebuild permits and widespread backlogs were preventing California borrowers from drawing down approved loan funding.
Although Governor Gavin Newsom has characterized Link is external the state's disaster response as "historic," only about 2,600 rebuild permits have been issued across the City Link is external and County Link is external of Los Angeles, where the wildfires destroyed an estimated Link is external 16,000 structures. In total, less than Link is external 15% of all homes destroyed by the fires have received necessary approvals to rebuild.
Likewise, Mayor Karen Bass initially celebrated completion of the "first" rebuilt home in November of last year, but media reports later revealed Link is external that the home's contractors had secured its rebuild permit before the wildfires struck, as part of a planned demolition. As of today, Los Angeles County reports Link is external that just seven structures have been completed in the year since the wildfires took place.
Borrowers with questions about their loan status or disbursement process should contact the SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/07/one-year-anniversary-california-wildfires-sba-extends-disaster-relief-deadlines-local-bureaucrats
National Museum of Asian Art Announces Major Gift To Endow and Name Jeffrey P. Cunard Curator of Southeast Asian Art
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Asian Art issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Asian Art Announces Major Gift To Endow and Name Jeffrey P. Cunard Curator of Southeast Asian Art
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art has announced that Jeffrey P. Cunard is endowing the museum's curatorial position of Southeast Asian Art, which will be known as the Jeffrey P. Cunard Curator of Southeast Asian Art. The inaugural holder of that position will be Emma Natalya Stein, who received her doctorate in the history of art from Yale (2017)
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Asian Art issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Asian Art Announces Major Gift To Endow and Name Jeffrey P. Cunard Curator of Southeast Asian Art
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art has announced that Jeffrey P. Cunard is endowing the museum's curatorial position of Southeast Asian Art, which will be known as the Jeffrey P. Cunard Curator of Southeast Asian Art. The inaugural holder of that position will be Emma Natalya Stein, who received her doctorate in the history of art from Yale (2017)and has been on the museum's curatorial staff since 2019. The museum will now be one of two museums in the nation with a dedicated, endowed curatorial position for Southeast Asian art and cultures.
"I sincerely thank Mr. Cunard for this transformative gift," said Museum Director Chase F. Robinson. "With this endowment, we reaffirm our commitment to presenting the arts and culture of that region as well as our relationships with our Southeast Asian colleagues, as we move toward a more collaborative model for museums."
The museum has agreements with museum and institutional colleagues in Southeast Asia, including the National Museum of Cambodia. The Jeffrey P. Cunard curatorial endowment, along with the museum's recently established Helen I. Jessup Fund in support of Southeast Asian programming, will fund exhibitions on Southeast Asia and support new research in the United States and abroad.
"Given the museum's long-standing commitment to the arts and culture of Southeast Asia and to supporting its partners in that region, this was the right moment to provide financial support to secure that commitment in a public way," said Cunard, who has supported the museum since 1999.
Cunard is the museum's seniormost trustee and has served on its board of trustees in various positions for over two decades, including chairman of the board. Presently, he is the head of the museum's collections committee. He has a long history of supporting arts and community activities in Washington and nationally. For example, he co-founded and serves on the board of the Friends of Khmer Culture Inc., a nonprofit organization that has supported efforts to preserve and increase appreciation of Cambodian architecture, art and culture. Cunard is a retired partner of the international law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where he was the managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office for 15 years. He is a graduate of the University of California Los Angeles and Yale Law School.
This gift benefits the National Museum of Asian Art's Second Century Campaign and the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, which will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums, education and research centers and the National Zoo in support of a single, bold vision: to build a better future for all. Learn more about Our Shared Future.
About Southeast Asia at the National Museum of Asian Art
The National Museum of Asian Art is one of two museums in North America with a dedicated Southeast Asian curator, program, associated collections and a vibrant portfolio of performances and community events. The museum also maintains important collaborations with several Southeast Asian nations, including active memorandums of understanding with Cambodia and Indonesia.
From March through September 2026, the museum will present the exhibition "Vishnu's Cosmic Ocean," which will be curated by Stein. This exhibition will feature a masterful bronze sculpture of Vishnu creating the universe, the largest ever found in Cambodia, which will be on loan from the National Museum of Cambodia. Stein co-curated "The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Himalayas" (ongoing) and "Prehistoric Spirals: Earthenware from Thailand" (ongoing), and she previously curated "Revealing Krishna: Journey to Cambodia's Sacred Mountain" (2022) and "Power in Southeast Asia" (2017-2021). She also created a robust digital resource for the Southeast Asia collections area. Earlier exhibitions devoted to Southeast Asian art at the museum include "Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia" (2010-2011) and "Vietnam's Ceramics: Depth and Diversity" (2015-2016).
Comprising close to 900 objects, the museum's Southeast Asia collections include Buddhist and Hindu sculpture and ritual objects in stone and bronze, gold jewelry, textiles and ceramics from Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and the Philippines. The ceramics collection is the largest and most important outside of Southeast Asia, and it serves as a resource for scholars worldwide. Sculptures from central and east Java, elsewhere in Indonesia, and the Khmer empire are other particular strengths. Indian trade textiles--notably woven, printed and painted textiles from Gujarat made for Indonesian markets--and locally made Indonesian textiles represent recent expansions to the collections and chart new directions for research.
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About the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art is committed to preserving, exhibiting, researching and interpreting art in ways that deepen the public and scholarly understandings of Asia and the world. The museum opened in 1923 as America's first national art museum and the first Asian art museum in the United States. It now stewards one of the world's most important collections of Asian art, with works dating from antiquity to the present. The museum also stewards an important collection of 19th- and early 20th-century American art.
Today, the National Museum of Asian Art is emerging as a leading national and global resource for understanding the arts, cultures and societies of Asia, especially at their intersection with America. Guided by the belief that the future of art museums lies in collaboration, increased access and transparency, the museum is fostering new ways to engage with its audiences while enhancing its commitment to excellence.
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum is free and open 364 days a year (closed Dec. 25). The Smithsonian, which is the world's largest museum, education and research complex, welcomes 20-30 million visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, visit asia.si.edu.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/national-museum-asian-art-announces-major-gift-endow-and-name-jeffrey-p-cunard
GSA and Cohesity Partnership Delivers Discounts for Cybersecurity Protections
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and Cohesity Partnership Delivers Discounts for Cybersecurity Protections
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The newest OneGov agreement strengthens federal data security and provides agencies with cybersecurity protection tools at significant discounts.
WASHINGTON The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) today announced a new OneGov agreement that offers Cohesity data protection and replication software, and custom-built bundles through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) with significant discounts off of the list
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and Cohesity Partnership Delivers Discounts for Cybersecurity Protections
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The newest OneGov agreement strengthens federal data security and provides agencies with cybersecurity protection tools at significant discounts.
WASHINGTON The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) today announced a new OneGov agreement that offers Cohesity data protection and replication software, and custom-built bundles through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) with significant discounts off of the listprice.
These tools provide secure, modern data protection across hybrid and multicloud environments, helping agencies strengthen their cyber resilience and ensure continuity of operations.
"Under my leadership, GSA is focused on executing President Trump's priorities to reduce the cost of government and centralize procurement, driving significant taxpayer savings, and equipping our federal workforce with the cutting-edge tools they need to excel," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "GSA is central to streamlining government processes, maximizing efficiency, and empowering our public servants to better serve the American people."
"The OneGov agreement with Cohesity will strengthen and enable robust and secure AI infrastructure across the federal government, directly supporting President Trump's call for America to win the AI race," said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. "Through this agreement, agencies can fortify cyber resilience and ensure operational continuity across hybrid and multicloud environments with secure, modern data protection tools."
"The federal government urgently needs a simple, efficient, and secure way to manage data to keep the country safe from cyberattacks - and the American people deserve the world's best cyber resilience," said Sanjay Poonen, President and CEO, Cohesity. "Our platform, Cohesity Data Cloud, can protect data wherever it resides and will bring exceptional efficiency and compliance to the public sector. We're honored to work with GSA to bring AI-powered data security into the hands of critical government agencies, to reduce the risk from unplanned outages, ransomware, and cyberattacks."
Under the terms of the agreement, agencies are eligible for significant discounts on Cohesity products, including:
* Up to 72.25% off of certain Cohesity data protection and replication software.
* 65% off of the Cohesity OneGov FedShield bundle, a comprehensive data protection software and service solution that enables backup, recovery, and replication across on-prem and cloud workloads - managed by a FedRAMP -authorized control plane.
* 35% off of the Cohesity OneGov FedCloud bundle, a comprehensive solution that provides data protection with recovery, replication, and backup across on-premises and cloud workloads - managed by a FedRAMP-authorized control plane.
The offering is available exclusively to federal agencies via GSA's Multiple Award Schedule. This pricing is available through September 30, 2027.
The Cohesity agreement supports GSA's OneGov Strategy, which centralizes demand for commercial IT solutions under standardized pricing and contract terms. This is the 22nd OneGov agreement since GSA launched the initiative in 2025. By simplifying acquisition through OneGov, GSA helps agencies reduce duplication across the federal enterprise.
For more information, visit itvmo.gsa.gov/onegov or contact the IT Vendor Management Office (ITVMO) at itvmo@gsa.gov.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-and-cohesity-partnership-delivers-discounts-for-cybersecurity-protections-01082026
EPA, Rio Blanco County Achieve Successful Containment of Crude Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA, Rio Blanco County Achieve Successful Containment of Crude Oil Spill
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On Jan. 5, 2025, a tanker was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 139, spilling approximately 220 barrels (roughly 9,250 gallons) of crude oil into West Douglas Creek. The accident occurred between Rangely and Grand Junction, Colorado.
EPA Region 8, in collaboration with the trucking company, Rio Blanco County and BLM, responded to the incident.
Crews are currently on site with vacuum trucks to remove as
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA, Rio Blanco County Achieve Successful Containment of Crude Oil Spill
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On Jan. 5, 2025, a tanker was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 139, spilling approximately 220 barrels (roughly 9,250 gallons) of crude oil into West Douglas Creek. The accident occurred between Rangely and Grand Junction, Colorado.
EPA Region 8, in collaboration with the trucking company, Rio Blanco County and BLM, responded to the incident.
Crews are currently on site with vacuum trucks to remove asmuch oil as possible while minimizing impact to the local ecosystem. The spill has been successfully contained within West Douglas Creek.
The land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Currently there have been no changes to access or public land closures. The spill impacted a BLM grazing allotment. The Responsible Party is providing alternative drinking water for the cattle on the allotment.
At this time there is no estimate when cleanup will be complete. A damage assessment will occur after initial cleanup to determine any remaining impacts to natural resources.
EPA is committed to keeping the public informed and will provide regular updates on the response efforts through our response website: https://response.epa.gov/Highway139CrudeOilSpill
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-rio-blanco-county-achieve-successful-containment-crude-oil-spill
EPA to host open house for update on the Olin Chemical Superfund Site
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to host open house for update on the Olin Chemical Superfund Site
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BOSTON (Jan. 8, 2026) - On January 21, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an open house to update residents on the agency's investigation and cleanup activities at the Olin Chemical Superfund Site in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Community members are invited to stop by to interact directly with representatives from EPA, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the redeveloper of the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to host open house for update on the Olin Chemical Superfund Site
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BOSTON (Jan. 8, 2026) - On January 21, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an open house to update residents on the agency's investigation and cleanup activities at the Olin Chemical Superfund Site in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Community members are invited to stop by to interact directly with representatives from EPA, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the redeveloper of the51 Eames Street property, and ask questions about the site.
What: Olin Chemical Superfund Site Open House
When: January 21st 6:00-8:00
Where: Wilmington High School Library
159 Church Street
Wilmington, MA 01887
The open house will cover the following topics:
* Community Involvement
* Superfund Process
* Groundwater Contamination
* Cleanup Plans
* Redevelopment
Site Background
The site includes the Olin property and the surrounding areas that have been impacted by contaminant releases from manufacturing and waste disposal activities formerly conducted at the Olin property.
Chemical manufacturing by a series of owners and operators began at the Olin property in 1953 and continued until the facility closed in 1986. Olin Corporation purchased the property in 1980. The facility was used to produce blowing agents, stabilizers, antioxidants, and other specialty chemicals for the rubber and plastics industries. Prior to the early 1970s, chemicals were discharged into several unlined pits and ponds in the central portion of the property. Later on, lined lagoons were used, however leaks in the liners resulted in additional releases of fluids. As the liquid materials moved downward through the soil, they reached the groundwater table.
Ultimately, contaminated groundwater migrated nearly a mile to the west and northwest of the Olin property and resulted in the Town of Wilmington placing its municipal drinking water supply wells in the Maple Meadow Brook aquifer off-line due to contamination from the site.
The cleanup plan for the site was selected by EPA in 2021 in a Record of Decision (ROD) (pdf) (218 MB) and includes interim actions to remove ongoing sources of contamination in groundwater and final cleanup actions for addressing contaminated soil, sediments, and surface water at the site. In parallel to the cleanup, studies are ongoing under a separate 2007 EPA settlement agreement to improve the characterization of the bedrock and further define the extent of groundwater contamination. These studies will be used to evaluate long-term groundwater cleanup options, leading to the selection in the future of a final cleanup plan for groundwater. In the near term, these aquifer studies will help identify the best places to locate groundwater extraction wells for the cleanup.
Visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/olin for more information about the site.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-host-open-house-update-olin-chemical-superfund-site
