BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)--Two Massachusetts municipalities and three community groups have been awarded grants through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program. The funding helps support the assessment and cleanup processes of contaminated sites within communities by allowing for the hiring of consultants who provide expertise in cleanup as well as educational resources that inform residents about contamination issues and the steps being taken to address them. Kennametal to close Greenfield plant “Properties that have been contaminated by past industrial or other activities pose significant concerns to nearby residents and can be a blight on our communities. These grants support local efforts to become more informed about risks and cleanup efforts,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Enabling residents to be part of the solution fosters trust in the process and drives better environmental and public health outcomes across the state.” The five grant recipients are: Lunt Neighborhood Action Group, Inc. – Up to $20,000: Lunt Neighborhood Action Group, Inc. will use its award to engage technical expertise to evaluate and interpret existing information about the former Lunt Silversmith disposal site in Greenfield. This initiative seeks to encourage greater public participation in the ongoing cleanup of the former metal manufacturing facility. Contaminants of concern include chlorinated volatile organic compounds, which have been detected in soil, groundwater, and indoor air. Greater Hyannis Civic Association, Inc. – Up to $20,000: Greater Hyannis Civic Association will use its award to engage technical expertise to review and interpret documents and information related to the disposal sites located the Cape Cod Gateway Municipal Airport and the Barnstable County Fire Training Academy in Hyannis. This effort aims to enhance transparency in the regulatory process and foster expanded community engagement. Contaminants of concern include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which impact soil, surface water, groundwater, and public and private drinking water supplies. City of Salem – Up to $20,000: City of Salem will use its award to engage a technical expert to enhance public participation and education. The expert will assist the City in effectively communicating complex technical issues to the community regarding the disposal site at Cedar and Barnes Road. The disposal site is located in a residential and commercial area and the contaminants of concern include Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chromium, which impact soil. Friends of the Rainbow Path, Inc. – Up to $20,000: Friends of the Rainbow Path will use its award to engage a technical expert to provide technical advice and guidance to the group. The initiative aims to encourage public participation by promoting access to information about the disposal site located at 445 Concord Avenue in Cambridge. Contaminants of concern include Trichloroethylene (TCE), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) and heavy metals, which impact soil. Town of Westminster – Up to $20,000: Town of Westminster will use its award to engage a technical expert to review and interpret information related to the Bean Porridge Hill Road Area disposal site. The project aims to enhance public participation by assisting town officials and community members to better understand relevant complex technical information. Contaminants of concern include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), impacting residential drinking water wells. Local News Headlines Pinning ceremony held for three of Springfields newest firefighters Springfield Police Department retired K9 to receive national recognition for his service Study finds financial incentives help people quit smoking Chicopee man arrested during disturbance outside bar on Belmont Ave in Springfield WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.