coakley landfill

480 BREAKFAST HILL RD

The privately owned Coakley Landfill site is a 92-acre parcel of land that was operated by several municipalities. The landfill area encompasses 27 acres in the southern portion of the site. The site accepted municipal and industrial wastes from the Portsmouth area between 1972 and 1982. Incinerator residue was also accepted from the incineration recovery plant for the Refuse to Energy Project between 1982 and 1985. The primary source of contamination is the landfill itself. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals are the predominant contaminants found. On- and off-site surface water and groundwater are contaminated. The site is located on a groundwater/surface water divide, and residential wells to the south, southeast, and northeast of the landfill are contaminated with low levels of VOCs. Public water service has been extended to the areas with contaminated wells by the local communities. There are several small commercial facilities and restaurants nearby.