Press Release  MassDEP Fines Auto Garage Owner for Illegal Transportation and Storage of Hazardous Waste

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) fined Dream Garage for hazardous waste transportation violations and multiple hazardous waste storage and containment violations.

“Unlicensed transportation and improper storage and handling of hazardous waste can lead to serious public safety, environmental, and health risks. MassDEP is committed to preventing pollution and ensuring responsible waste management,” said Stephen Spencer, acting director of MassDEP’s Environmental Strike Force. “Businesses handling hazardous waste must follow state regulations regarding transportation, storage, labeling and disposal to avoid enforcement actions and protect community health.”

Dream Garage owner, Irind Gega, had improperly stored ten 55-gallon oil drums in the backyard of his private residence in Georgetown. Gega unlawfully transported the drums of hazardous waste from his auto repair facility located at 61 Jefferson Avenue in Salem to his Georgetown residence and later unlawfully transported them to another business. Due to concerns over potential leaks and environmental hazards, the Georgetown Fire Department ordered the immediate and lawful removal of the drums, which Mr. Gega completed within 24 hours.

MassDEP’s Environmental Strike Force (ESF) was contacted shortly after to follow up on the case amid concerns about the hazardous waste stored at Dream Garage. The ESF is an interagency task force made up of scientists and investigators from MassDEP, the Environmental Police, and prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Office that investigates and responds to serious environmental violations. 

With Mr. Gega’s consent, the ESF conducted two inspections of Dream Garage. During their visits, MassDEP’s investigators identified additional 55-gallon drums stored improperly at the business as well as other violations including, failure to properly label and mark hazardous waste containers, absence of signage for hazardous waste storage areas, and inadequate management of hazardous waste containers.

Under the terms of MassDEP’s order, Dream Garage was required to immediately cease and desist from transporting hazardous waste and to correct all hazardous waste storage violations within 30 days. As part of the enforcement action, Mr. Gega was required to pay $7,000 of the penalty. MassDEP agreed to suspend $3,356, contingent on full compliance with the order and no further violations for two years.

If you witness or suspect pollution, hazardous waste dumping or other environmental violations, contact MassDEP’s Environmental Strike Force via telephone hotline 1-888-VIOLATE (888-846-5283) or email esf.hotline@mass.gov.

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