Developer secures funding for environmental remediation near former MERC site

A public hearing about the project remediation will be held Dec. 18

Contributed Story; Legal Notice

Fathom Companies — a development firm that will be building a mixed-use and housing project near the intersection of Lincoln and Pearl streets in Biddeford — has received a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant to be used for environmental remediation.

The funds are administered by the Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission (SMPDC). and will be used to support the remediation and redevelopment of Lot 3, a subdivided portion of the former Maine Energy Recovery Corporation (MERC) site located at 3 Lincoln Street, Biddeford.

According to a required Legal Notice filed with the Biddeford Gazette, the funding will support cleanup activities on this historically industrial parcel, which previously housed a waste incineration facility.

Proposed remedial actions include soil excavation, installation of engineered cap-and-cover systems, and related environmental protection measures. These actions are necessary to support the redevelopment of the site for residential units and mixed-use buildings and common spaces featuring a restaurant.

A Community Involvement Plan (CIP) and Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) plan have been prepared. The CIP, ABCA, and additional environmental documents are available for public review through SMPDC, Raegan Young, 110 Main Street, Suite 1400, Saco, Maine. Electronic and printed reports can be provided upon request by contacting ryoung@smpdc.org or 207-746-3376. Documents can also be found on Maine DEP’s Online Remediation Sites portal (https://www.maine.gov/dep/maps-data/data.html) by searching for site number REM02179.

Public comments will be received over a 30-day comment period from December 11, 2025 until January 10, 2026.

A public meeting will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, December 18, at Richard Martin Community Center, 189 Alfred Street, Biddeford— First Floor, Room 8, to inform the public of the proposed cleanup plan and to receive public comments.

During this public meeting, project representatives will discuss the funding mechanisms, project requirements, and recommended cleanup strategies for the site.

For more information please contact:

Robyn Payne (Fathom Project Manager) at rpayne@fathomcompanies.com

Raegan Young (SMPDC) at ryoung@smpdc.org

or Kris Plante (Qualified Environmental Professional) at Krisp@stgermain.com

To see all Legal Notices filed with the Gazette, go here

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