Press Release  MassDEP Penalizes Deane Excavating Company for Multiple Environmental Violations

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Deane Excavating Company, Inc. $35,500 for various violations that occurred at its facility at 434 Northfield Road in Bernardston.

"The violations reflect a troubling disregard for the protection of public health, natural resources and the environment," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. "MassDEP is committed to holding violators accountable and ensuring that corrective actions are taken immediately."

MassDEP conducted an unannounced inspection at Dean Excavating's facility in response to a complaint alleging that improper disposal of solid waste and the withdrawal of water from a nearby brook were taking place at the site. The inspection revealed that the company violated multiple environmental regulations, including those related to air pollution control, hazardous waste, solid waste, groundwater discharge and wetlands protection. These violations included unpermitted disposal of solid waste and discharge of industrial wastewater, operation of air-polluting equipment without the required permits, activities that resulted in the alteration of protected wetlands, failure to register as a waste oil generator and improper management of waste oil.

As part of the terms of the Consent Order, Deane Excavating has agreed to pay a penalty of $8,000 and ensure that all violations cited in the Consent Order are corrected. MassDEP agreed to suspend the remaining $27,500 of the penalty provided Deane Excavating complies with the terms and requirements of the Consent Order. The company has initiated corrective actions to address the violations.

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