Disaster!
On Nov. 29, 2007, just two days after a delivery of fuel oil, during religious school classes, temple members smelled oil. Heading downstairs to the basement, they were horrified to discover the floor covered in oil. Quick-thinking, they immediately called Commonwealth Tank, who engaged the appropriate authorities and began the clean-up efforts.
Approximately 750 gallons had been lost. Toxic fumes were removed from the air and the basement floor was torn out in stages. A section would be drilled out (to the bedrock, up to 16-feet down) while temporary walls supported the building, the dirt/water was removed (by hand, due to the location under the building), and the dig would be filled-in. Repeat.
To date, over 76 tons of dirt and 8,200 gallons of water have been removed to hazardous waste processing facilities.
During the clean-up, services were held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield. The congregation is extremely grateful to the members of the church for their generosity.
The bills already received for the cleanup are already over $165,000. The total cost has been estimated to be well over $200,000. The congregation is exploring fundraising opportunities to try to raise the needed monies. If you have any suggestions, or can offer assistance, please contact us!
