Press Release  MassDEP Penalizes Holyoke Mall Company for Solid Waste Violations

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $13,645 penalty to Holyoke Mall Limited Partnership (LP) for failing to comply with landfill monitoring, reporting, and maintenance requirements. The violations are related to a former landfill located beneath a portion of the mall property, near the former Sears store in Holyoke.  

Massachusetts solid waste regulations and permit requirements are intended to ensure former landfill sites are properly maintained to protect public health and safety. MassDEP found that Holyoke Mall LP failed to submit required landfill gas monitoring reports in a timely manner and did not complete certain maintenance and repair work within required deadlines.   

“When former landfill sites remain open to the public, proper monitoring and maintenance are essential,” said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. “MassDEP expects property owners to meet these responsibilities and will take enforcement action when they do not.”  

Under the terms of MassDEP’s Consent Order, the company has agreed to pay $10,000 of the penalty. The remaining $3,645 balance will be suspended pending compliance with the order. The company has also agreed to complete ongoing monitoring, maintenance, inspections, repairs, and reporting in accordance with applicable permits and state regulations. 

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