MassDEP Assesses $27,000 Penalty to High Point Treatment Center of Plymouth for Unpermitted Discharge

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) entered into a consent order with High Point Treatment Center of Plymouth due to multiple violations of the facility's groundwater discharge permit, found during an inspection on July 15, 2007. MassDEP penalized the facility at 1233 State Road a total of $27,000, but agreed to suspend a portion of the penalty pending compliance with the order.

As part of a review of High Point's permit, MassDEP found violations including direct dumping of untreated wash water into a storm drain; inadequate monitoring of influent, effluent and ground water; and, an inadequate operations and maintenance plan on-site for the wastewater treatment plant by properly licensed wastewater treatment plant operators. 

"The requirements specified in the facility's permit have been established to ensure discharges from that facility do not impose an environmental burden to the surrounding resource area," said David Johnston, acting director of MassDEP's Southeast Regional Office in Lakeville. "High Point as a proprietor in the health-care field realizes that it needs to be better attuned to its environmental responsibility."

High Point agreed to cease any further un-permitted discharges either to surface or groundwater; to institute a training program for its staff; ensure its treatment plant is properly staffed; and, implement an environmental management system to better address and track its ongoing compliance requirements. 

MassDEP has agreed to suspend $17,000 of the penalty pending full compliance for a period of one year.

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