In Massachusetts, EPA Fines Company After Truck Accident

mass.gov, Mar 30, 2006

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has assessed a penalty of $2,950 to the Garden Family Shows, Inc., a traveling carnival company, based in Sarasota, Fla., for failing to complete oil spill cleanup actions following a Worcester accident.

On August 8, 2003, DEP was notified of a diesel fuel release to a roadway from a truck accident in Worcester. The truck was owned and operated by the Garden Family Shows. DEP required the company to hire a licensed contractor to clean up the fuel release. However, the company was unable to promptly respond. As a result, DEP hired a state contractor to complete cleanup actions. The company has since failed to complete the necessary documentation or respond to the Department’s notices of this requirement.

“Out-of-state companies will be required to comply with the Commonwealth’s environmental laws while doing business here. These requirements are in place to protect our environment and all businesses, local or otherwise, will be held to the same standards,” said Martin Suuberg, director of DEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester.

The company will be required to reimburse the Commonwealth for it’s cleanup costs, and it is required to complete the documentation for the cleanup.

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