West Springfield Developer Penalized $6,000 for Wetland Violations,
Ordered to Stabilize Development Site from Further Erosion

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $6,000 penalty to West Meadow Homes Inc. for wetlands violations during construction of the Griffin Estates residential development on Piper Road in West Springfield. MassDEP also ordered West Meadow to stabilize the site to prevent erosion.

The West Springfield Conservation Commission issued a permit to West Meadow on June 29, 2007, allowing the work, but with safeguards against erosion. Due to ongoing construction site erosion and sedimentation impacts to nearby wetland resources, the commission subsequently issued West Meadow an enforcement order on May 14, 2008.

On June 11, 2008, MassDEP officials inspected the site in response to a request for assistance by the commission. MassDEP's inspection confirmed that the construction was not in compliance with the commission's permit and enforcement order. On June 24, 2008, MassDEP ordered West Meadow to cease construction and comply with the commission's permit and order.

MassDEP recently issued a second order requiring West Meadow to stabilize the site by March 30, 2009 as a result of continued noncompliance with the original permit and order issued by the commission and with the MassDEP order.

"Developers have to follow the requirements of local permits to ensure that sensitive resource areas are protected, and they must comply with enforcement orders when their activities negatively impact protected wetland areas," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. "Failure to comply with local permits and enforcement orders will result in hefty penalties."

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