MassDEP Penalizes Easton Mobile Home Park Owner $23,000 for Repeated Wastewater Violations
BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized Easton MHC, LLC, the owner of a 122-unit trailer park at 305 Turnpike Street in Easton, for continued and repeated wastewater violations.
(Media-Newswire.com) - BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ( MassDEP ) has penalized Easton MHC, LLC, the owner of a 122-unit trailer park at 305 Turnpike Street in Easton, for continued and repeated wastewater violations. The facility had previously been the subject of a consent order with MassDEP in 2010 for similar violations and failed to complete the required corrective actions.
"This mobile home community owner has certain responsibilities, including the proper maintenance of the wastewater treatment system to protect the public health and safety of residents," said Philip Weinberg, director of MassDEP's Southeast Regional Office in Lakeville. "MassDEP's mission is to protect both public health and the environment, as well as ensure that an entity like Easton MHC does not ignore its responsibilities."
In 2003, Easton MHC obtained ownership of the mobile home park, which had a groundwater discharge permit for 36,000 gallons per day. In 2010, MassDEP identified violations, which included repeated incidents where discharges above the limit were identified, and repeated effluent breakouts were noted in the leaching field. These were attributed to a lack of system maintenance. On December 6, 2010, Easton MHC agreed to take corrective actions that included an investigation into the source of the problem and a schedule to correct it.
The investigation identified numerous points of entry for stormwater and groundwater ( infiltration and inflow ) into the collection system. Easton MHC proposed a phased solution in November 2012, but did not complete all the agreed upon improvements with effluent outbreaks continuing to occur.
As a result, MassDEP negotiated today's consent order, in which Easton MHC agreed to the following repair plan: making surface structures and manholes water-tight where necessary and completing the remainder of the repair plan within one year after the local conservation commission approves Easton MHC's submitted plans for the repair. Easton MHC will also submit monthly status reports to MassDEP.
Additionally, Easton MHC will pay $11,500 of today's assessed penalty, and MassDEP has agreed to suspend the remaining $11,500 provided Easton MHC meets its deadlines and maintains compliance with the regulations over the next three years.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources
Related Content
Published by:
Release Date
This story was released on 2014-03-05. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.