MassDEP Penalizes Shetland Properties $11,500
 for Waste Site Cleanup Violations at Salem Site

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized Shetland Properties Inc. $11,500 for violations involving the cleanup of petroleum-contaminated soil at 45 Congress Street in Salem.  The violations include conducting the cleanup without notifying MassDEP and stockpiling and storing the contaminated soil on site longer than 120 days.

The contamination was first detected and reported to MassDEP on August 10, 2005 during the removal of a 30,000-gallon underground storage tank. On August 24, 2008, Shetland submitted to MassDEP a report that noted certain cleanup actions had taken place, without first obtaining the required approval and in violation of stockpiling requirements.

"Those who are found responsible for the release of oil or hazardous material in Massachusetts are responsible for completing the cleanup," said Richard Chalpin, director of MassDEP's Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington.  "It is often necessary for those conducting the work to first obtain approval before certain measures are taken. This is to ensure that the work will protect the environment and the health and safety of residents and workers."

Under a consent order with MassDEP, Shetland has agreed to submit timely cleanup status reports every six months until the cleanup action is complete.

Unless Shetland finds that the remaining contamination has an off-site source, a final cleanup outcome report is due no later than August 17, 2011. MassDEP has agreed to suspend $6,500 pending full compliance with all terms of the order. 

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