Dudley Chemical Company Assessed $7,900 Penalty for Failing to Properly Assess and Mitigate Private Well Contamination

Webco Chemical Corporation of Dudley has been assessed a $7,900 penalty by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for violations of environmental cleanup requirements.

During routine testing in 1997, the company detected, and reported to MassDEP, the presence of volatile organic compounds in the drinking water well at its facility. As part of a subsequent Immediate Response Action plan, the company tested several nearby residential drinking water wells and detected low levels of compounds, below drinking water standards. During an audit of subsequent cleanup actions, MassDEP determined that the company had failed to adequately assess or mitigate contamination in the private wells.  

Webco has subsequently initiated additional work to return to compliance with MassDEP, including installing treatment systems on the affected wells. The company has also developed a well sampling plan and agreed to periodically sample residential drinking water supply wells in the vicinity of the release. The company will pay $5,400 of the penalty, with the remainder suspended contingent upon the company following its well sampling plan.

"The water that residents drink must be monitored while cleanup efforts are ongoing," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Testing provides the public and MassDEP with necessary information about water resources."  

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