WILTON — Information on a study to determine whether two former mill sites are polluted is the topic of a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, before the selectmen’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the town office.

Representatives from Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments will offer information and take comments on the Phase II Brownfields Environmental Assessments done on Western Maine Development, formerly the Nichols/Bass property on the Weld Road, and the old Wilton Tannery on Route 2.

In December 2010, Janet Cummings of AVCOG said both sites were chosen for federal Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Assessment funding.

Initial phases of the assessment included historical research on how the sites were used, followed by a second phase, the field work at the site,  including testing to see what is there and determine if there is any contamination.

The Nichols/Bass building was chosen to receive a limited Phase II site assessment, while the Wilton Tannery was selected for a complete assessment, Cummings previously said.

The goal of the assessments is to help developers overcome perceptions that a commercial space may have or had hazardous substances that could mean contamination and an expensive cleanup before it can be used for other purposes. Providing awareness of the situation through the assessments can foster future development and potential employment.

The EPA created the Brownfields program in 1994 to help communities address this.

AVCOG received a $200,000 Brownfields grant in 2008, and five sites, including the two in Wilton, were chosen for study.

In other business, the board will listen to public comments and consider action on an amendment to the parking and traffic ordinance regarding a section on no through trucks.

Members will also hold a hearing with property owners on Birch Street regarding junkyard activities on the property and consider action on it.

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