Press Release  MassDEP Penalizes Tree Service Company for Unauthorized Expansion onto Closed Pittsfield Landfill

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $35,000 fine to Kelley Brothers Enterprises, LLC, for solid waste and wetlands violations associated with unauthorized operations at the closed Pittsfield South Landfill. 

MassDEP discovered that the company expanded portions of its tree processing operation onto the closed municipal landfill without the approvals required under Massachusetts solid waste regulations. The company stored wood chips and other tree materials on the landfill, disturbed portions of the landfill cap, installed unauthorized stormwater infrastructure, and created an unpermitted stormwater discharge that affected an adjacent bordering vegetated wetland.  

"Environmental requirements are in place to protect both residents and natural resources,” said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. "These unauthorized activities threatened to compromise both the environment and the landfill cap. MassDEP expects corrective action to address these violations and full compliance moving forward." 

Kelley Brothers Enterprises has agreed to the terms of MassDEP’s consent order and will pay the $35,000 penalty. The company also agreed to remove all materials and equipment from the landfill property, restore disturbed portions of the landfill and adjacent wetlands, obtain the necessary environmental approvals, and complete corrective work under MassDEP oversight.  

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