Sterling Lawn Care Company Assessed $5,750 Penalty
to Resolve Surface Water Discharge Violations in Shrewsbury

The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $5,750 penalty on New England Commercial Lawn Care Inc. of Sterling to resolve violations that occurred during a hydro-seed application at an apartment complex in Shrewsbury.

During a field investigation on June 17, 2008, MassDEP representatives observed that hydro-seed mixture had been released to a storm water catch basin that discharges to an adjacent stream. MassDEP found the application was in violation of state Surface Water Discharge regulations.

"Protecting the Commonwealth's water resources is one of our highest priorities," said Paul Anderson, deputy director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "This includes ensuring that business practices employ procedures to avoid pollution of our surface water resources."

The company, doing business as U.S. Lawns of Central Massachusetts, returned to the area after MassDEP's inspection, and removed the remaining hydro-seed mixture from the roadway and from around the catch basin.

As a result of negotiations with MassDEP, the company is required to develop and submit a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) detailing the proper handling and application of hydro-seed mixture, and the appropriate disposal of excess material. The SOP is required to include specific measures to prevent the future release of materials to local surface waters.

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