BOSTON MA (1/3/2019) – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) penalized Land Air Express of New England $21,000 for its failure to properly notify MassDEP within two hours of a diesel spill of greater than 10 gallons at its Easton facility at 600 Turnpike Street.

The spill occurred due to an over-fill during fueling activities involving one of the company’s trucks on February 19, 2018, which was not reported. MassDEP received an anonymous complaint about the spill two days later on February 21, 2018. The Easton Fire Department investigated the complaint and informed MassDEP on that day about their conclusive evidence of a recent spill greater than 10 gallons.

“Any fueling station has to be diligent and cognizant of situations that trigger a clear need to notify MassDEP following releases of oil or hazardous materials,” said Millie Garcia-Serrano, director of MassDEP’s Southeastern Regional Office in Lakeville. “Immediate response actions were initiated by the company, but unilateral actions without proper prior notification can result in a violation that MassDEP takes seriously.”

MassDEP also inspected the site following the complaint on February 22, 2018 and confirmed a fresh diesel spill impacting 450 square feet staining a concrete pad, containment channel in that pad as well as an adjacent asphalt pavement area. A barrel and separate drum were found at the facility with oil-soaked absorbents and debris.

Land Air Express subsequently has retained the services of an environmental company and Licensed Site Professional to oversee cleanup and closing out of response actions, which were completed by April 27, 2018. The company will pay $10,000 of the penalty and $11,000 will be suspended provided the company has no further violations over the next year.

CONTACT: Joe Ferson 617-654-6523