The cleanup of the old Portsmouth Manufactured Gas site on 2nd Street could have an impact on a beloved local business. You may have thought the site was already cleaned up back in 2018. Turns out that was only the northern portion of the property. Now it’s time to take care of the southern part.
That cleanup effort is perilously close to Dari Creme. At this point, most Portsmouth residents are clutching their hearts. Let’s break down what’s happening and what it will mean for customers.
Site History
- From 1856 to 1905 a manufactured gas plant operated on the one-acre site.
- Manufactured gas was used back then for heating, lighting, and cooking.
- Gas made from coal was captured and cleaned of impurities. It was then stored in large structures.
- When natural gas became more widely available, these plants were shut down.
The Hazard
- The process leaves behind coal tar.
- Coal tar contains chemical compounds that can be hazardous.
- People should not directly touch, eat, or breathe them in high levels over a long period of time.
Cleanup Facts
According to Columbia Gas, cleanup will last from June through August of 2020. Here’s what people can expect during the process:
- Cleanup work will take place weekdays between 7 am and 7 pm.
- There may be occasional weekend work.
- The site will be surrounded by a fence with locked gates.
- Security will patrol the site after hours
- Excavated materials will be transported in covered trucks.
The Problems
Columbia Gas says no road closures are expected. But that people in the area may notice the smell of tar or mothballs during the work. They plan to use an odor-reducing foam to block the smell.
If you notice a strange smell, contact Haley & Aldrich’s Construction at 734-358-4735.
Dari Creme
As if local restaurants don’t have enough problems at the moment, this work will be going on at the height of the season for Dari Creme. However, the beloved local institution will remain open during the cleanup.
Unfortunately, parking spots may become limited due to the amount of construction traffic. Columbia gas promises that the contractor in charge of the cleanup will do its best not to affect Dari Creme or its customers.