Springfield Auto Recycler Fined for Wetlands and Hazardous Waste Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized Temby Auto Wrecking, Inc. of Springfield $1,500 for wetlands and hazardous waste management violations at its facility located at 148 Temby Street.

A MassDEP inspection conducted on December 19, 2006 revealed that the company was storing vehicles and vehicle bodies within 100 feet of the shore of Five Mile Pond, in violation of the wetlands regulations. Other violations were related to hazardous waste housekeeping, recordkeeping and labeling provisions. Temby Auto Wrecking, Inc., which cooperated with MassDEP during the investigation, initiated corrective actions to address the noncompliance issues at its facility immediately after the inspection.

"This site was not being managed properly," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. "Basic compliance with environmental regulations is not only a legal obligation, but is important in preventing releases of contaminants into the environment."

As part of a settlement agreement, Temby Auto Wrecking, Inc. agreed to pay a $1,000 penalty.  An additional $500 was suspended pending the company's compliance with the agreement.

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