Uranium found above cleanup level near Powder Mill Woods trail

The Town of Concord posted an environmental update Oct. 19 on monitoring results at 2229 Main Street, the site of the former Starmet/Nuclear Metals Inc. facility, now a Superfund cleanup site.

Recent soil sampling detected elevated levels of uranium near the Powder Mill Woods trail that exceed the site's cleanup levels. A sample collected during routine testing showed uranium at up to 55 milligrams per kilogram, compared with the site cleanup level of 2.7 milligrams per kilogram.

The site engineer, Haley & Aldrich, had its risk assessor evaluate current exposure conditions and confirmed the levels do not present an unacceptable health or safety risk to trail users or nearby residents. While uranium occurs naturally in soil and rock in the region, the levels found in this limited area are consistent with impacts from historical operations at the former Starmet/NMI facility. The concentrations fall within safety standards for recreational activities such as walking, running and cycling, where contact with soil is negligible.

Temporary fencing has been installed as a precaution to keep trail users away from the affected area. Localized tree removal will be required before soil excavation can begin. During both the tree removal and the excavation, the trail will be closed to limit contact with the work area.

The update says more information will be released as it becomes available. Residents can view site documents, data, cleanup activities and frequently asked questions on the EPA's Nuclear Metals Inc. site page, or contact Liz McCarthy, the EPA's community involvement coordinator, by email at mccarthy.elizabeth@epa.gov or by phone at (617) 982-4826.

Source: Town of Concord announcement, October 20, 2026.