Press Release  MassDEP Fines Harvard Property Owner for Failing to Report Oil Spill

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a penalty of $45,600 against William Renwick, a Harvard resident, who violated state regulations when a heating oil spill occurred at his home.

MassDEP’s investigation found that heating oil had leaked from the above-ground storage tank outside his home, contaminating the drinking water for his property and another property in the neighborhood. The resident did not notify MassDEP about time-critical conditions caused by the spill and failed to address the drinking water contamination in a timely manner. The resident also did not obtain MassDEP approval to conduct remediation work as required by law.

In addition to payment of the penalty, the resident has agreed to take all necessary actions to address the oil spill and resulting contamination.

“Property owners must promptly report oil spills and take immediate actions to protect themselves and their neighbors,” said Mary Jude Pigsley, Director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “MassDEP is here to safeguard the public from these impacts, and the sooner we are notified, the faster resulting contamination such as soil and private wells can be addressed.”

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and oil spills.

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