MassDEP Finds Multiple Environmental Violations at Three Businesses in Waltham After Sheen Impacts Charles River

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized three adjacent Waltham businesses, Pro Equipment Rental, Inc., Pro Waste Disposal, Inc. and Pro Cut, Inc., for multiple environmental violations found during inspections in January 2007.

The inspections were triggered after a river-watcher reported oil odors and an oily-sheen on the Charles River emanating from the Pro Companies' property. 

While each of these companies maintains a separate corporate identity, each was found by MassDEP to be operating in violation of environmental regulations to an extent that additional enforcement investigation was warranted. Monetary penalties, and significant steps were all found to be necessary to return these businesses to compliance. 

"Public safety is paramount, and MassDEP will continue to ensure that businesses handle oil and hazardous materials waste in adherence with strict guidelines due to the potential impact mistakes and mis-management can cause to neighborhoods and the environment," said Richard Chalpin, director of MassDEP's Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington.

The companies are connected and accessible to each other, and listed at the same web address, while the corporate presidents are cousins: Ronald Culgin is listed as president of both Pro Waste Disposal and Pro Cut, while Robert Culgin is the president of Pro Equipment Rental. 

The specific violations for each operation involve:

* Pro Equipment Rental was cited for air quality, hazardous waste and stormwater management violations. Pro Equipment Rental was also required to perform an assessment of soil and groundwater conditions at the property to address any possible contamination from activity at the site. In addition, Pro Equipment Rental has been penalized $23,020.

* Pro Waste Disposal was cited for solid waste management violations. Specifically, that segments of this facility were being used for the storage and/or disposal of solid waste, without being designated (or permitted) to conduct those activities as required under state regulations.  In addition, Pro Waste Disposal has been penalized $23,070.

*  Pro Cut was cited for hazardous waste management violations and improper storage and handling of asbestos-containing materials. In addition, Pro Cut has been penalized $26, 410.

Pro Equipment Rental will also install temporary measures to control catch basin runoff (e.g. hay bales and catch basin filter fabric), install permanent catch basin insert filters, and install, by June 30, 2008, a six-inch asphalt curb to redirect stormwater into the existing catch basin network.

In addition to the penalty amount, each business has also agreed to take corrective steps that will bring its business fully back into compliance with all the applicable environmental regulations.

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