|
National Water Main Cleaning Inc. Penalized $15,000 in Connection with Concrete-Laden Discharge to Mill River in Wakefield
Analysis of dumped material along shoreline points to nearby sewer-repair crew
After an investigation by the Environmental Strike Force, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized National Water Main Cleaning $15,000 in connection with the dumping of cement-laden material into the Mill River in Wakefield.
A sewer repair crew employed by National Water Main Cleaning, located at 25 Marshall Street in Canton, was working nearby on a sewer project for the town of Wakefield on December 8, 2006. On that day, MassDEP's Environmental Strike Force responded to a complaint, and found a grey cement-like material on approximately 200 square feet of riverbank and riverbed.
Water samples taken by the Strike Force showed unusually high alkaline levels, that could adversely impact water quality and aquatic habitat.
"We were able to quickly respond thanks to a tip from the public and our investigation revealed that the cement-laden material found along the Mill River, which feeds into the Saugus River, was the same type of material used by employees of National Water Main Cleaning crew who were working nearby," said Pamela Talbot, MassDEP's Strike Force director.
Under the terms of the agreement, National Water Main Cleaning will train its employees in proper disposal methods and will clean up the affected area. Sand bags will be placed to enclose the impacted area and hardened cement-material along the banks of the affected area will be removed using hand tools. The water around the area will be tested before the sand bags are removed to ensure proper ph levels are reached. If all terms of the order are met, MassDEP has agreed to suspend $10,000 of the penalty.
Anyone wishing to report an environmental violation should call MassDEP's confidential hotline at 1- 888 - VIOLATE.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
###
|
communicate with dep
