Strathmore Mill Cleanup - April 2026 Project Update

In April 2026, the Town of Montague and its engineering consultant, Tighe & Bond, made continued progress on the Strathmore Mill Cleanup project, with a strong focus on advancing permitting applications, refining design documents, and completing key field investigations.

A major milestone this month was the near completion of permit application materials. The project team finalized draft submissions for the Notice of Intent (NOI) for wetlands permitting, which is scheduled to be submitted in advance of the Conservation Commission’s May 14 meeting. The application for review by the Massachusetts Historical Commission is also on track, with materials being finalized for submission. In parallel, work continues on the Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) application, including preparation of supporting technical documentation.

Fieldwork and site investigations continued throughout the month, including additional on-site visits by engineering staff to support design development and permitting. During these efforts, the team identified a previously undocumented lower-level void in the eastern portion of the site near Buildings 7 and 8. While access to this area is limited, it is believed to be a former tailrace or subsurface vault. This discovery has been incorporated into the project plans and will require the contractor to account for additional demolition and fill activities in that area. While this may result in some increase in project costs, impacts are expected to be modest relative to the overall project scope.

Design development also advanced significantly in April. Structural drawings and demolition plans continue to be refined across the base bid and alternate scenarios, incorporating updated survey data and evolving site conditions. The project team has also begun developing detailed specifications and coordinating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) considerations, which will inform upcoming discussions with Eagle Creek Renewables regarding utility infrastructure and Building 9 interface requirements.

Looking ahead, the project team is preparing for upcoming regulatory reviews, including the May Conservation Commission meeting and coordination with state agencies on Natural Heritage requirements. Additional site visits and stakeholder coordination are anticipated as design and permitting efforts continue to progress.

The Town will continue to provide updates as the project reaches key milestones in the months ahead.

For more information, please visit the project webpage.

Posted: to General Montague News on Thu, Apr 23, 2026
Updated: Thu, Apr 23, 2026