MassDEP determines Varian’s clean up violates state environmental laws

After a review of Varian Medical Systems’ plan to clean up contamination emanating from the former Varian Facility in Beverly, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) determined that Varian was not in compliance with state environmental regulations.

While Varian Medical System no longer owns the Beverly property located at 150 Sohier Road, under state law, it is responsible for cleaning up the toxic chemicals that now pollute the area. Despite the cleanup project beginning in 2000, as recently as May 2020, groundwater in Beverly showed elevated levels of toxic chemicals.

To return to compliance, the MassDEP mandates that Varian submit a Permanent Solution Statement or Temporary Solution Statement by February 18, 2023. If Varian fails to correct the violations and/or does not meet the February 18 deadline, civil penalties may be assessed.

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