BOSTON, MA, Apr. 8, 2011 -- Cleanup at the former Pharmacia & Upjohn manufacturing site in North Haven, CT, is underway. The project is expected to cost $150 million.

Under the plan, more than 60 acres of wetlands and meadow habitat along the Quinnipiac River will be restored, and walking trails for guided viewing and interpretative environmental education will be constructed.

Remediation of the 78-acre site will comprise several other initiatives as well. A subsurface barrier wall will be installed and groundwater will continue to be extracted and treated to prevent contaminated groundwater from reaching the Quinnipiac River.

The work is part of an agreement between Pharmacia & Upjohn and EPA.

Through historical releases of manufacturing wastes and wastewater treatment residuals associated with pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, the site became contaminated. Contaminants include PCBs, volatile organic compounds, and lead, among others.

Once remediated, 17 acres of the property's west side can be redeveloped and restored for use as open space and light industry or commerce. To remove the primary source of groundwater contamination, a heat process will be used to treat the most concentrated areas of pollution. Barrier covers will be constructed in several areas. Sediment will be removed from two areas of the Quinnipiac River tidal mud flats and from a small stretch of South Creek to minimize damage to the habitat. Land use restrictions will be put in place. And finally, there will be long-term operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the remediation to ensure the public and environment are protected into the future.

Pharmacia & Upjohn's parent company, Pfizer, will provide financial assurance for the cleanup.

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