Pinto's Plumbing & Heating Supply Assessed $7,970 Penalty,
Must Test Sediment Samples from Nearby Charles River

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $7,970 penalty to Pinto's Plumbing & Heating Supply of Milford and required the company to conduct additional assessment of sediments in the Charles River adjacent to its property at 6 Front Street. 
 
In 2008, MassDEP audited response actions conducted at this property for a historical release of chlorinated solvents, metals and petroleum to soil and groundwater. During the audit, it was determined that the company failed to notify MassDEP of the discovery of coal tar contaminated soil that was encountered during soil excavation at the site.

While Pinto's Plumbing & Heating Supply properly assessed and cleaned up the coal tar contamination, other violations were discovered that included inadequate assessment of nearby Charles River sediments and failing to re-evaluate the site for potential vapor intrusion into the building on the property. Pinto's has since taken the necessary steps to check the potential for vapors in the building, and vapors were shown not to be a hazard.

"Notification must be made when new, unexpected contamination is discovered during the course of doing site work," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester.

As a condition of the consent order with MassDEP, Pinto's Plumbing & Heating Supply agreed to an expedited schedule to sample the Charles River sediments and submit a report to MassDEP. The company will pay $4,000 of the assessed penalty, with the remaining amount suspended pending completion of the order.

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