This body of work investigates the contrasts between two coexisting landscapes across New England: the iconic, pristine, and landmark sites that attract admiration and tourism, and the overlooked, polluted areas marked by environmental neglect. Through my research, I focus on locations designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as Superfund and Brownfield sites—places burdened by industrial contamination and long-forgotten waste.
This project examines environmental issues within the communities I know and frequent. As we face the escalating effects of climate change and diminishing sustainable resources, I feel compelled to use photography to raise awareness. By capturing both the beauty of protected natural spaces and the reality of damaged ones, I hope to inspire reflection, education, and action.
Nyanza Superfund Memorial for those who contracted cancers tied to the Nyanza contamination, located between Ashland Middle School and the capped Nyanza site in Ashland, MA.
At the Nyanza Memorial, a plaque tells the history of how the company responsible produced dyes that wafted into the air and leaked into the groundwater and river.
Crane Beach, in Ipswich, MA, is a popular 1,234-acre conservation and recreation property. Established in 1945, it is owned and maintained by the Trustees of Reservations and is open to the public.
Salem Willows Park is a popular destination and recreation area along the Salem, MA, northern waterfront. Adjacent to the park and waterfront area are attractions such as an arcade, bowling alley, miniature golf, and a variety of places to eat.
At Bug Light Park in South Portland, ME, the Peaks Island Ferry passes by in the distance.
The Sunoco LP Terminal is adjacent to Bug Light Park in South Portland, ME. Due to the shipbuilding history and current-day oil facilities, the soil and groundwater contain lead and arsenic.
Stretching 500 feet into the ocean, the Old Orchard Beach Pier is a vibrant hub lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Overlooking the expansive sandy beach and Palace Playland, the pier serves as a centerpiece for the popular summer destination.
Bill’s Pizza in Old Orchard Beach, ME, has been serving pizza slices for more than 70 years and is a favorite of both locals and tourists.
A family takes selfies in front of Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME. Built in 1879, Nubble is considered one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and stands as a symbol of Maine’s maritime history.
Plans are underway to remove and remediate the Royal River Dam in Yarmouth, ME. Removing the dam and its broken fish ladder will restore the river habitat and fish access upstream.
A solar farm sits on the remediated Nyanza superfund site in Ashland, MA. The solar farm brings use to the capped land that cannot be used for other purposes.
Peabody Street Park, along the Salem Harbor Walk, is a remediated EPA Superfund site due to asbestos-polluted soil from the neighboring National Grid property.
Motif Number 1 in Rockport, MA, is an exact replica of a fishing shack that was a popular subject for artists in the 20th century. The building became iconic to the area, artists, and New England, earning it the name “Motif Number 1.”
Constructed during the final years of World War II, a lookout tower at Halibut Point served as a lookout for enemy ships and submarines. Now repurposed as a visitor center, it provides educational exhibits and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Previously, Salem Oil and Grease, 60 Grove St. in Salem, MA, is an EPA Superfund and one of the last remaining locations awaiting remediation along Salem’s historic area known for mills and tanneries along the North River.
Petroleum storage tanks tower over a residential neighborhood along the coast of South Portland, ME. In 2013 South Portland residents fought back against further expansions of petroleum businesses.
Salem Willows Park is a popular destination and recreation area along the Salem, MA, northern waterfront. Adjacent to the park and waterfront area are attractions such as an arcade, bowling alley, miniature golf, and a variety of places to eat.
The Pratt Street Community Garden in Framingham, MA, sits on a remediated EPA Brownfield site in a densely populated neighborhood. Before the garden opened in 2011, the once-vacant lot was contaminated with lead, PAHs, and petroleum products.
Furlong Park is a remediated EPA brownfield site in Salem, MA. The soil here was contaminated with lead, PAHS, and other metals. The shoreline has debris from former mills in the Salem area.
Furlong Park is a remediated EPA Brownfield in Salem, MA. The soil at this site was contaminated with lead, PAHS, and other metals.