Clinton Sand and Gravel Company Assessed $20,700 in Penalties For Solid Waste Management Violations

R. Bates and Sons, Inc. of Clinton has been assessed $20,700 in penalties by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for Solid Waste Management violations that occurred at the company's sand and gravel pit on South Meadow Road in Clinton. 

During a December 2006 inspection of property, which is located adjacent to the closed South Meadow Road landfill in Clinton, MassDEP personnel noted the presence of asphalt, brick, concrete, tires, wood waste, metal and miscellaneous solid wastes. The company did not seek, and MassDEP did not issue, the necessary permits required for the disposal of those materials at that location.

In a recently finalized consent order, the company agreed to remove all improperly disposed materials and transport the materials off-site for recycling or disposal. Additionally, the company will pay a $2,000 penalty to the Commonwealth and will fund a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) valued at $18,700.

The SEP includes the cleanup of a portion of the Town of Clinton's Department of Public Works (DPW) yard that contains debris and vegetative overgrowth accumulated over many years.  Completion of the SEP will result in reclamation of a portion of the DPW yard and allow for the expansion of the town's recycling drop-off area.

"Property owners must refrain from the unauthorized disposal of solid wastes on parcels of land under their ownership. Such disposal can lead to severe negative environmental impacts," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. 

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