Autowright Motor Company of West Boylston Assessed $10,000 Penalty For Violating Waste Site Cleanup Requirements

Autowright Motor Company of West Boylston has been assessed penalties totaling $10,000 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for violations that occurred as a result of a release of petroleum at its 280 West Boylston Street location.

In May 2001, MassDEP was notified of a petroleum release, which contaminated soil and groundwater, at the location. MassDEP issued a Notice of Noncompliance for failure to conduct required assessment of the release in February 2006. The company failed to respond to the notice and failed to complete the necessary investigation.

In a recently finalized consent order, the company agreed to comply with all applicable regulations, including completion of required assessment and cleanup of the site by May 2008. The company will also pay a $3,500 penalty. The remaining $6,500 was suspended pending compliance with the order.

"Investigation and cleanup of disposal sites is required to be conducted in a timely manner," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "MassDEP recognizes the efforts of Autowright Motor Company to return to compliance."

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