Raynham Greenhouse Operation Faces $13,504 in Penalties
for Environmental Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Olson Greenhouses, Inc. signed an agreement that includes a $3,376 penalty and a $10,128 supplemental environmental project (SEP) for violating state environmental regulations at the company's South Street East location in Raynham.

Olson Greenhouses grows and sells potted plants at a wholesale level, and has the appropriate recycling and air quality permits to accept and burn used oil fuel. A review of the company's manifest indicated that Olson was also marketing the oil fuel to the public, which is a permit violation. 

In November 2003, the company informed MassDEP that it would be submitting certification concerning the installation of an on-site industrial wastewater holding tank. A November 2007 MassDEP inspection revealed that the holding tank was in use, but none of the required documentation was submitted. Also, a required on-site opacity monitor was non-operational.

The SEP requires the company to connect the used oil fuel recycling facility to the Town of Raynham's sewer system and obtain a Sewer Discharge Permit from the town. Olson must also replace its current air compressor for off-loading used oil fuel with a high efficiency air compressor. If the cost of completing the SEP is less than $10,128, the company must pay the difference to the Commonwealth.

"Through this SEP,  the company will be directing funds to apply management practices that, though not required by current regulations, will lessen the impact of the facility on the surrounding community," said David Johnston, acting director of MassDEP's Southeast Region Office in Lakeville. "In this case, tying into the town sewer will reduce the number of trucks hauling materials off-site."

In addition, the agreement requires that Olson stop marketing any used oil fuel without the proper permit, submit the holding tank documentation and appropriate fee and ensure that the opacity monitor is functional.

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