Oxford Manufacturing Firm Assessed $17,250 Penalty for Violating Hazardous Waste, Industrial Wastewater and Solid Waste Regulations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $17,250 penalty to Flagg Palmer Burial Vault Company, Inc. of Oxford for violating Hazardous Waste Management, Industrial Wastewater Management and Solid Waste Management regulations. 

In February, MassDEP conducted a routine inspection at Flagg Palmer, which manufactures concrete burial vaults and stairs at its 1 Industrial Park Road West facility. The inspection determined that the company discharged wastewaters onto its driveway and to the ground without having a valid MassDEP-issued discharge permit, disposed of refuse and solid waste on its property, and failed to comply with numerous hazardous waste container management requirements.

In a recently finalized consent order, the company agreed to comply with all applicable regulations, and to pay a $2,000 penalty. An additional $15,250 penalty was suspended provided that the company remains in compliance with the terms of the order for one year.

"Companies need to ensure that their wastewater discharges are in compliance with federal, state and local rules," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. 

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