Press Release  MassDEP Fines Transportation Company for Delayed Reporting of Hadley Spill

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized GPM Transportation Company, LLC, a Virginia-based bulk fuel transportation company, $10,500 for violating oil spill notification regulations after the company failed to promptly report a gasoline spill at a commercial gas station in Hadley.

"Timing is everything when it comes to oil and gas spills because of the potential harm to public health, the environment and our local water systems," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's western regional office in Springfield. "Promptly reporting these environmental releases is more than a regulatory formality. It's a critical responsibility that ensures swift action to protect our communities and restore impacted properties effectively."

The spill occurred early in the morning on September 4, 2024, during a fuel delivery at the Hadley West Pride gas and service station located at 25 Russell Street. An estimated 35 gallons of gasoline was released onto the pavement and into a nearby storm drain. No cleanup occurred on that day and a GPM Transportation representative notified MassDEP more than 24 hours later, which exceeds the two-hour reporting window required under state regulations. Once the company notified MassDEP, GPM Transportation arranged for a complete assessment and remediation of the spill. In addition to paying the penalty as part of the agreement with MassDEP, GPM Transportation has committed to re-training its employees in spill response and notification procedures for oil and hazardous materials. The company has completed all necessary reports documenting the cleanup of the gasoline release. 

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