Construction of the Terminal
In 2010, MassCEC commissioned and published the Port and Infrastructure Analysis for Offshore Wind Energy Development, which evaluated locations in Massachusetts DPA’s for a new port facility. That report determined that New Bedford’s South Terminal was the best location to construct the 26-acre facility now known as the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. Massachusetts broke ground on construction of the terminal on May 6, 2013. In January 2015, the construction of the terminal was substantially completed.
Environmental Benefits
As part of the construction of the terminal, MassCEC led a significant clean-up both on land and in the harbor, as well as the creation of several areas of restored habitat around the City of New Bedford. MassCEC led the clean-up of large quantities of contaminated material left over from industrial waste generated in New Bedford Harbor prior to the 1970s. A total of 280,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment was dredged from the harbor, and a total of 18,000 tons of contaminated soil were removed from the terminal site and transported to EPA-approved facilities.
River’s End Park
A few miles north of the terminal on River Road, MassCEC oversaw the creation of one acre of salt marsh next to one of the City’s parks.The project included the clean-up of nearly 3,000 tons of contaminated soils from the property, followed by the creation of new salt marsh habitat for local fish, birds and tidal animals.
