Massive Soil Cleanup Underway in Connecticut Town

Crews are launching a $60 million project to remove industrial waste buried beneath more than 200 homes and other buildings in a Connecticut neighborhood.

The five-year cleanup project started Monday in Hamden’s Newhall neighborhood. Environmental officials say it’s the largest project of its kind in state history.

Contamination from the former Winchester Repeating Arms plant was discovered a decade ago. Lead, arsenic and other harmful materials were found. Environmental officials concluded there was no apparent health hazard, but recommended against digging or other soil-disturbing activities.

The top four feet of earth in 18 square blocks will be removed and replaced. The project’s being paid for by the state and Olin Corp., Winchester’s successor.