R.M. Sullivan Transportation Assessed $3,500 Penalty for  Failing to Properly Notify MassDEP of Diesel Fuel Spill

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $3,500 penalty to R.M. Sullivan Transportation, Inc. for violating state regulations following a June 11, 2007 spill of diesel fuel at property known as the Sulco Public Warehouse in Springfield.   

The spill of approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel occurred at the Sulco Public Warehouse at 655 Page Boulevard at about 9 p.m. The spill resulted from an accident involving two tractor-trailer trucks. Diesel fuel impacted paved surfaces in the loading dock area and a nearby stormwater drain.

MassDEP personnel became aware of the spill on June 13, 2007. State regulations require that MassDEP be notified as soon as possible, but in no case greater than two hours after the Sullivan employees became aware of the spill, thereby requiring notification to MassDEP on June 11, 2007.  

"MassDEP responders are available 24/7 via our emergency response number - 1-888-304-1133," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield.  "The legal obligation to report spills helps to ensure that the public is protected, the environment is protected and the clean up is done promptly and correctly."

As part of a settlement agreement with MassDEP, Sullivan will pay a $3,500 penalty. In addition to completing the cleanup of the diesel fuel spill, Sullivan has also prepared emergency response and oil spill plans for five facilities it operates in Western Massachusetts, and retrained employees on appropriate response to releases of oil and hazardous materials.

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