Colchester, Vermont
SECTION 1 – THREAT SUMMARY Colchester faces a critical environmental hazard score of 10.0 because of the Harbour Industries Superfund site only 2.2 miles away. While officials list the contaminants as unspecified hazardous substances, their presence in an active cleanup zone suggests serious long-term risks to soil and groundwater. For your daily life, this means you must be careful about your water source and avoid disturbing soil near old factories. Stay informed about local air quality to keep your family safe.
Hazard Data Summary
Regulatory Overview
The Harbour Industries site, EPA ID 110071100322, remains active on the National Priority List. With eight hazardous sites within ten miles, cumulative risk in ZIP 05446 is critical. Exposure pathways include migration of hazardous substances through groundwater plumes and soil vapor intrusion into buildings. These contaminants cause chronic health issues, including respiratory distress and increased cancer risks. Residents must take three defensive measures. First, install carbon filtration systems for all drinking water to remove chemical runoff. Second, conduct professional vapor intrusion testing in basements to detect subterranean gases. Third, implement a strict no-shoes policy indoors to prevent tracking contaminated soil from nearby industrial zones into the home. Reviewing EPA data for the Harbour Industries and Commerce Street Plume sites provides necessary updates on remediation progress and plume movement.
Threat Summary
SECTION 1 – THREAT SUMMARY Colchester faces a critical environmental hazard score of 10.0 because of the Harbour Industries Superfund site only 2.2 miles away. While officials list the contaminants as unspecified hazardous substances, their presence in an active cleanup zone suggests serious long-term risks to soil and groundwater. For your daily life, this means you must be careful about your water source and avoid disturbing soil near old factories. Stay informed about local air quality to keep your family safe.
Nearby Superfund Sites
| Site Name | EPA ID | Distance | NPL Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARBOUR INDUSTRIES (FORMER) | 110071100322 | 2.25 mi | Active |
| RATHE BROTHER'S LANDFILL | 110009320127 | 4.36 mi | Active |
| VT AIR NATIONAL GUARD | 110005260724 | 4.59 mi | Active |
| COMMERCE STREET PLUME | 110071100071 | 5.8 mi | Active |
| BELL AIRCRAFT DUMP (FORMER) | 110071100072 | 6.11 mi | Active |
| PINE STREET CANAL | 110009259809 | 7.37 mi | Active |
| GENERAL ELECTRIC CO LAKESIDE AVE PLANT | 110070605717 | 7.55 mi | Active |
| US ARMY N.G. ETHAN ALLEN FIRING RANGE | 110037143365 | 9.23 mi | Active |
Action Required
SECTION 3 – ACTION REQUIRED Residents should immediately seek guidance on safe housing and environmental advocacy. Contact the Champlain Housing Trust at 802-861-7394 to discuss property safety standards and remediation assistance if your residence is impacted. For community-level environmental advocacy, engage with 350Vermont or 1% For The Planet Inc. These organizations provide resources for ecological preservation and help mobilize local efforts to demand transparent cleanup timelines from regulators. Prioritize professional environmental testing to confirm the safety of your immediate living environment and water supply.
HUD Housing Counseling
Government VerifiedEnvironmental Organizations
IRS Verified- 1 For The Planet IncEnvironmental
- 350vermontEnvironmental
- 45 Latitude Labs IncEnvironmental
Data Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS). Facility data from EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS). Nonprofit data from IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. Housing counseling data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This report is generated from publicly available government data and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For current site-specific information, visit EPA Superfund.