Maynard Real Estate Firm to Help Fund Renewable Energy Project Following Environmental Violations at Former Mill Site

Wellesley Rosewood Maynard Mills, LP, a real estate company that manages the large former mill building at 2 Clock Tower Place in Maynard, will pay $15,000 towards the completion of a project that will further renewable energy efforts in Massachusetts, under terms of a consent order finalized recently with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). 

During an inspection performed by MassDEP personnel in January of 2006, and in subsequent meetings, it was determined that the company violated its air quality plan approval by burning oil, rather than natural gas as required. In addition, the company operated an Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment System without using a licensed wastewater treatment plant operator.

In a recently finalized consent order, the company agreed to comply with all regulations that apply to its operation. The $15,000 penalty associated with those violations has been suspended pending the completion of a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP). The SEP involves purchasing equipment components that will be used by a tenant, the Nanoptek Corporation, which will conduct the project at the Clock Tower Place (CTP) property.

Nanoptek Corp. has developed proprietary technology and solar hydrogen generator equipment that produces hydrogen and oxygen, using only water, sunlight, and its unique photocatalyst. The project will help fund solar hydrogen generators to be placed on a rooftop area. The captured hydrogen produced will be compressed, stored, and used in two ways. First, by fueling a hydrogen generator set to provide peak electricity to the CTP complex, and second, by supplying a hydrogen dispensing station at CTP that will fuel a CTP hydrogen shuttle bus for transporting employees and visitors from the train station in South Acton to designated CTP buildings. 

"MassDEP looks forward to the environmental gains that can come from the technology used in the supplemental environmental project, and will monitor its progress," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. 

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

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