Former Adams Manufacturer Penalized $10,300 for Environmental Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $10,300 penalty to MacDermid Printing Solutions, LLC of Waterbury, Conn. for violating state environmental cleanup regulations at its former facility in Adams, Mass.

In 2005, MacDermid completed an assessment of petroleum-contaminated soil at its former Adams facility and agreed to place an Activity and Use Limitation (AUL) on a portion of the facility property. The AUL requires that a protective cover be maintained to prevent human contact with underlying soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. One of the obligations of the AUL is to reinstall the protective cover in the event that the protective cover is degraded or removed.

In August 2007, MassDEP staff performed an inspection of the AUL area to verify compliance with the terms of the AUL. The inspection revealed that a portion of the protective cover, measuring approximately 20 feet long by 12 feet wide by 6 feet deep, had been damaged, exposing underlying soil.  

"Activity and Use Limitations are legal tools which may be utilized by property owners of contaminated sites to avoid costly cleanups, but they carry with them ongoing maintenance and legal obligations to remain protective," said Mike Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. "MassDEP vigorously enforces the terms and conditions of AULs."

As part of a settlement agreement with MassDEP, MacDermid has agreed to repair the protective cover subject to MassDEP approval. A temporary cover has been placed over the damaged area to prevent direct contact with underlying soil and to minimize potential discharge of soil to Fisk Brook until such time that a permanent repair of the cover is completed. MacDermid has also agreed to pay the $10,300 penalty.

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