Press Release  MassDEP Fines Property Owner for Environmental Violations at Former Dry Cleaner in Northbridge

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a $33,000 penalty to Chang Hui Nam for violating state cleanup regulations at a former dry-cleaning site at 12 Beane’s Lane in Northbridge. 

The property owner failed to address a suspected release of dry-cleaning solvents into groundwater in a mixed commercial and residential neighborhood. MassDEP also found low concentrations of dry-cleaning chemicals in indoor air samples collected from nearby residential buildings. Despite repeated formal notices from MassDEP, Mr. Nam failed to hire a Licensed Site Professional or take appropriate steps to assess and remediate contamination believed to have originated from the property’s former dry-cleaning operation. 

“Property owners who are notified of a suspected release of hazardous material at their site must take timely action to engage a Licensed Site Professional, assess contamination and related risk to the public and the environment, and develop a cleanup plan if one is needed,” said John Beling, regional director of the MassDEP Central Regional Office in Worcester. “Failure to do so may result in enforcement action including possible fines and penalties.” 

In addition to the $33,000 penalty, Mr. Nam is required to hire a Licensed Site Professional and submit required documents to MassDEP for the assessment and cleanup of the site. 

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