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MassDEP fines Montague business for extensive land-clearing

MONTAGUE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Falls Farm LLC for violating state environmental protection acts as the result of extensive land-clearing in Sunderland and Montague. Falls Farm LLC was found to be in violation of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, due to land-clearing that did not adequately implement erosion and sedimentation controls. As a result, the land-clearing activities negatively impacted four streams, adjacent wetlands, and the Connecticut River, which all serve as natural resource areas in the state. Hampden DA's Office teaches Springfield students about substance use prevention Falls Farm LLC has addressed these issues and agreed to pay a civil administrative penalty of 39,168. MassDEP said that the majority of the penalty–$31,668–will be suspended if Falls Farm LLC agrees to remain in compliance with the order and restores the degraded wetlands and streams, implements a long-term site stabilization plan, and places a deed restriction to permanently protect a two-acre parcel abutting the Connecticut River. The company also has agreed through this agreement to provide the town fire departments of Montague and Sunderland with dry hydrants and a water source in case of future fire emergencies. 'Falls Farm simply had too much new area cleared without enough sedimentation protection in place,' said Michael Gorski, Director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. 'Protecting our wetlands and waterways is essential to preserve clean water and resilient ecosystems. Falls Farm has been responsive and is making a significant commitment to address the impacts. And they are investing in the local community through the permanent protection of habitat on the bank of the Connecticut River as well as enhancing local fire safety.' For more information on MassDEP's efforts to protect the natural resources of the Commonwealth, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.