Press Release MassDEP Penalizes Dighton-based Company $21,000 for Drilling and Installing Unpermitted Wells in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized G&M Subsurface $21,000 for unpermitted drilling and installation of 10 to 15 wells in Massachusetts from June 2017 through May of 2018. By engaging in the business of well-drilling, the Dighton-based company violated Massachusetts regulations by not first applying for, and obtaining, the required certification.

“Massachusetts law requires any company or individual who is looking to drill and install wells within the Commonwealth to comply with applicable regulations, pass the required exam, and obtain proper certification,” said Pamela Talbot, director of MassDEP’s Environmental Strike Force. “These regulations are in place to ensure that wells are not randomly drilled, thereby posing a threat to the public, and that a company takes all proper procedures concerning public safety, ground water integrity, and environmental protection.”

Under the terms of the consent order, G&M Subsurface has applied for the required certification, and has provided a full list of all monitoring wells installed since June 2017. The company must also pay $10,500 of the penalty with the remaining $10,500 suspended pending full compliance with all terms of the order.

The case was investigated and developed by Tim Dame of the MassDEP Environmental Strike Force and Steve Hallam from MassDEP’s Well Drillers Program.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

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