Press Release  MassDEP Fines Springfield Company for Violating Cleanup Regulations at Former Dry-Cleaning Site

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined 50 Century, LLC, $48,000 for violating state oil and hazardous materials cleanup regulations at its property located at 1003 St. James Avenue in Springfield. A former dry-cleaning business was previously located on the property.

In 1987, MassDEP was notified of a release of volatile organic compounds into soil and groundwater. Previous owners had begun conducting preliminary assessment work before selling the property to 50 Century in February 2017. The property’s sale transferred both ownership and the obligation to continue response actions on the site, including taking steps to stop the harmful chemical vapors in the soil or groundwater from seeping into indoor air.

MassDEP issued several notices to 50 Century informing them of its legal responsibilities under state regulations, but the company neither responded nor conducted the response actions required. There are legal requirements for property owners to address contamination on their property, even if the contamination originated from previous owners or businesses.

"MassDEP has made several attempts to reach out, but 50 Century has not responded or complied with state environmental laws to address the contaminated site," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s western regional office in Springfield. "50 Century’s failure to cooperate and address the necessary cleanup at the property has resulted in this penalty. MassDEP remains committed to working with the property owner to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to be in compliance with the law."

50 Century has failed to comply with the deadlines and did not participate in a state-scheduled meeting to discuss the violations and work toward a formal compliance agreement. For these reasons, the $48,000 penalty was issued with the Unilateral Administrative Order. The order sets a schedule for 50 Century to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements. 

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