Press Release  MassDEP Penalizes Property Owner for Cleanup Violations in Springfield

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $31,000 penalty to Toby Realty Trust for violating oil and hazardous materials cleanup regulations at 274 Taylor Street in Springfield.  

The property is the former location of the City of Springfield Department of Public Works garage. In 1990, multiple releases of gasoline from underground storage tanks on the site affected soil and groundwater. Toby Realty Trust acquired the property in 2000 and redeveloped it into an electrical equipment supplier.  

Under state regulations requiring cleanup of contaminated properties, Toby Realty Trust, as the current owner, is legally obligated to continue response actions at the site, even if the contamination was discovered and reported by the previous owner. MassDEP has repeatedly notified Toby Realty Trust of its cleanup responsibilities, but the company has not completed the required actions or met key deadlines.   

“MassDEP made multiple attempts to work with Toby Realty Trust and help bring the company into compliance with Massachusetts’ environmental regulations,” said Michael Gorski, director of the MassDEP Western Regional Office in Springfield. “Refusal to cooperate does not relieve property or business owners of responsibility. MassDEP remains committed to ensuring that liable parties take the necessary steps to clean up contaminated sites.”

The $31,000 penalty was issued with a Unilateral Administrative Order, which sets a new schedule for Toby Realty Trust to achieve compliance with the regulatory requirements for the property. 

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