Marion, Massachusetts, encompassing ZIP code 02738, currently holds a critical environmental hazard designation due to persistent industrial contamination. Five hazardous waste sites are located within a ten-mile radius, including the Aerovox Site and US Army Corps of Engineers facilities. Most urgently, the Town and Country Dry Cleaners (Former) Superfund site sits exactly 2.5 miles from Marion residential zones. The Environmental Protection Agency designates this specific facility as an active National Priorities List site, meaning federal cleanup and groundwater remediation efforts remain ongoing.

The primary toxicant at this location is tetrachloroethylene, commonly identified as PCE or PERC. This volatile organic compound migrates rapidly through subterranean soil and groundwater, creating a severe risk of vapor intrusion into residential structures. Chronic human exposure to PCE through inhalation or contaminated drinking water targets the central nervous system, damages liver and kidney function, and is recognized as a probable carcinogen.

Because remediation is incomplete, residents should implement strict defensive measures immediately. Homeowners utilizing private wells must commission independent, annual laboratory testing specifically targeting volatile organic compounds, as municipal water reports do not reflect private groundwater conditions. Furthermore, residents should install point-of-use activated carbon filtration systems on all drinking water taps to intercept potential chemical leaching. Finally, property owners should inspect and seal foundation cracks while maintaining high ventilation rates in basements to block toxic vapor accumulation from the soil. Tracking official federal updates regarding the Town and Country Dry Cleaners (Former) intervention remains a necessary ongoing protocol for local households.