Image courtesy of J.J. Manning Auctioneers

A state investigation of unexploded military munitions has forced partial postponement of an absolute auction for a large southeastern Massachusetts land portfolio this week.

V.S. Haseotes & Sons, a family partnership of the Cumberland Farms convenience chain owners, is seeking to sell 1,760 acres in five communities.

In 2019, a contractor hired by the state Department of Environmental Protection detected exposed munitions on the ground during an inspection of several properties involved in the potential sale, including 20 mm and potential 40 mm projectiles, according to a DEP enforcement letter issued May 19.

The munitions are believed to be associated with historical use of the property for test-firing by the former National Fireworks factory in Hanover, according to the letter from DEP Deputy Regional Director Gerard Martin. The letter cited parcels at 11 and 115 River St. in Halifax and a group of parcels on Thompson Street in Middleborough.

J.J. Manning Auctioneers postponed the auction scheduled today for 13 unnumbered parcels on Thompson Street, which span nearly 1,171 acres, President Justin Manning said. The auction has been tentatively rescheduled for on or about July 26 “to get a better handle on the situation,” Manning said.

An auction for other portions of the portfolio is still proceeding today and tomorrow.

The undeveloped land includes portions of the Great Cedar Swamp and was filled and cleared illegally, according to a 1980s federal court ruling. It’s considered a valuable wildlife habitat by conservation groups, some of which have sought to buy the property in the past and had been expected to bid in the auction. 

Residential developers and clean energy firms also have indicated interest in buying the properties, with more than 60 groups recently responding to the auctioneer’s marketing campaign.