Press Release  MassDEP Fines Paving-Excavation Company for Oil Spill Violation in Fitchburg

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a consent order requiring Fitchburg-based P.J. Albert, Inc.to pay a $15,000 penalty for violating state oil spill cleanup regulations after a January 2024 oil spill at the Company’s 199 Upham Street facility.

On the morning of January 10, 2024, a failed valve on P.J. Albert’s tanker truck caused the release of 500 gallons of fuel oil onto a paved parking lot at the facility. Although P.J. Albert staff responded quickly to contain the release and hired a spill contractor, they did not promptly notify MassDEP of the oil spill. State cleanup regulations require notification to MassDEP within two hours of a sudden release of more than ten gallons of oil.

"Prompt notification of oil spills to MassDEP is necessary to quickly respond to and properly manage potentially dangerous situations to protect the public and the environment," said Mary Jude Pigsley, director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Failing to notify MassDEP during this critical period could result in otherwise avoidable harm to persons and the environment, potentially increase the actual cost of cleanup and result in penalties for failing to do so as required by law."

In addition to the penalty, MassDEP’s consent order directs the company to complete training of its personnel in oil spill notification and response requirements.

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