BOSTON MA (4/25/2011) ? The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a $23,531 penalty to two Leominster residents to resolve violations of the Wetlands Protection Act that occurred during wetland renovations taking place at 19 Lisa Drive.

MassDEP is requiring Rachel Frederickson, the property owner, and Paul Mayo, both residents of the site, to have the altered wetlands restored, and to pay $3,000 of the assessed penalty; the remaining penalty amount has been suspended as long as there are no further violations for three years.

At the request of the Leominster Conservation Commission, MassDEP inspected the property in September 2010 and observed alteration of Bordering Vegetative Wetlands and dredging of an intermittent stream bed without the approval of the Conservation Commission. In October 2010, MassDEP issued an order requiring that Fredrickson and Mayo cease and desist from performing additional work within the wetlands buffer zone, and take necessary steps to prevent further erosion.

As part of a negotiated consent order, the residents must begin restoration of the altered wetlands this spring and complete all restoration work by July 1, 2011. The order also requires placement of effective sedimentation and erosion controls.

?It is important that homeowners are aware of the need to work with local Conservation Commissions and remain in compliance with the wetlands regulations when undertaking renovation projects near wetland resource areas,? said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP?s Central Regional Office in Worcester. ?When citizens of the Commonwealth do their part to maintain our wetland resources, the benefits to the environment and public health are enjoyed by all of us.?

Contact: Ed Coletta 617-292-5737