Press Release  MassDEP Penalizes ES Golf for Underground Storage Tank and Air Pollution Control Violations at Holyoke Country Club

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized ES Golf Corp. (d/b/a Holyoke Country Club) $19,000 for air pollution control and storage tank violations that occurred at its Holyoke Country Club facility, located at 2 Country Club Road in Holyoke.

The company received a violation for failure to install a vapor recovery system for its underground storage tank (UST). Such a system prevents gasoline fumes from escaping into the air during fuel deliveries to service stations and vehicle fueling. Other violations included the company’s failure to conduct third-party inspections of its UST and failure to maintain a financial assurance mechanism to fund corrective actions caused by an accidental release from its UST system. ES Golf has subsequently removed its UST system altogether.

"Environmental regulations are in place to protect our air, soil and groundwater from pollution while ensuring swift corrective actions in the event of a release," said Michael Gorski, Director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. "Holyoke Country Club's decision to remove their tank and resolve the penalty addresses their violation and underscores the importance of adherence to these protective measures."

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.

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