Eastern Propane Gas Assessed $6,000 in Fines and Penalties
Following Propane Gas Leak at Norfolk Facility

A New Hampshire-based propane gas retailer, Eastern Propane Gas, Inc., has been assessed $6,000 in fines and penalties by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for failing to notify the agency of a sudden release of an unknown amount of propane gas at its Norfolk facility. 

On January 7, 2008, a motor vehicle struck an above-ground valve on a 1,000 gallon propane underground storage tank owned by Eastern Propane at its 220 Main Street facility, releasing an unknown amount of propane, a hazardous material. To address the leak, the Norfolk Fire Department required Eastern Propane personnel to drain the tank and burn off residual gas, a process that took five hours and closed parts of Main and Boardman Streets.

On January 29, 2008, a representative of Eastern Propane notified MassDEP of the release, well in excess of the two-hour notification requirement in state regulations.

The company will pay $1,500 of the penalty, and will also perform a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), with the balance of the fine suspended pending the successful completion of the SEP. The SEP includes the submittal of an article to a weekly newsletter of the Propane Gas Association of New England. This proactive measure will inform propane marketers and suppliers operating in Massachusetts of the notification requirements for releases of propane should they occur. 

"MassDEP considers notification of releases of hazardous materials critical to ensure a timely and protective cleanup," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Eastern Propane has been proactive and has taken steps to improve communication both internally and externally going forward."

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