Press Release  MassDEP Fines Rhode Island Company for Oil Spill Cleanup Violations following Tractor-Trailer Accident in Bellingham

BOSTON — BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) fined Dias Transportation, Inc. of Pawtucket, R.I. $14,000 for failing to take timely action to assess and cleanup a diesel fuel spill that resulted from a commercial motor vehicle accident on South Main Street in Bellingham.

Dias Transportation’s tractor-trailer was involved in a roadway accident that caused its diesel fuel saddle tank to rupture, releasing an estimated 50 gallons of diesel fuel to the paved roadway, adjacent soil, and a nearby stormwater catch basin that discharges to a wetland area. The company did an initial cleanup of the spill but delayed more than two years before completing additional assessment and cleanup actions required under state regulations.

"Commercial vehicle operators must act promptly to take all necessary actions to assess and cleanup spills resulting from motor vehicle accidents," said Mary Jude Pigsley, Director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Timely action is critical to ensure cleanups are conducted effectively and minimize the impact to public health, safety, welfare and the environment."

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. 

###