Latest news with #MichaelGorski
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Company faces major fine for failing to report hazardous chemical cargo spill on railway: 'Required to immediately notify'
A July 2024 chemical leak in Springfield, Massachusetts, spotlighted the need for urgent action and notification when hazardous substances are spilled. Workers at Astro Chemicals were transferring a sodium hydroxide-based solution when a valve was left open, according to WWLP 22 News in February. What was initially thought to be a smaller leak turned out to amount to up to 3,200 gallons spilling onto the soil and crushed-stone ground cover of a railway trackbed. Regulations require that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection be notified "within two hours of becoming aware of a spill, if the spill exceeds 50 pounds," the local station reported. WWLP said that the agency wasn't called until the next day. "When a reportable quantity of hazardous material is released, responsible parties are required to immediately notify their local fire department and MassDEP," Michael Gorski, director of the agency's office in Springfield, told the outlet. Sodium hydroxide is a potent substance used for multiple purposes, according to the Virginia Health Department. It can be used to make soap and clean wood. It's also found in household cleaning products. The chemical can cause burns and blindness, while powder forms have the potential to cause lung damage if inhaled. Sodium hydroxide is just one example of the chemicals that are transported around the country and all over the world every day. Most reach their destinations without incident. But spills of dangerous cargo can lead to disaster and require quick mitigation from trained experts. A 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, for example, unleashed toxic vinyl chloride. Air, water, and soil pollution fallout will continue to be studied long after. Last year in Maine, one of the country's largest spills of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — chemicals found in household items like non-stick cookware and also known as PFAS or "forever chemicals" — occurred at the decommissioned Brunswick Naval Air Station. A malfunctioning fire suppression system sent about 51,000 gallons of foam containing PFAS into the water. A "do not eat" order for local fish was issued, among other precautions, according to The Guardian. In Maine and in Massachusetts, watchdog groups and officials called for better communication about the contamination events. Fast action from trained professionals is key to safe containment, but experts and the public also need to receive information in a timely manner, guided by regulations, to ensure strategic cleanup, effective monitoring, thorough follow-up, and trust. Immediate reports to the proper authorities can limit damage from hazardous spills. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "This assures timely response, assessment, mitigation, and cleanup to protect both the public and the environment," Gorski told WWLP, regarding the Springfield case. Astro received a $25,000 penalty from the environmental agency. $2,500 of that penalty was suspended, to the company's credit, for a speedy cleanup on its part, per the local report. Becoming informed about the plans and procedures in your community regarding potential environmental hazards is a good way to make sure measures are in place to prevent and mitigate pollution. Communities can also come together to support pro-environment policies to safeguard local ecosystems and the water systems that connect us all from chemical contamination. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
West Springfield business fined in connection with gasoline spill
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – A West Springfield company was fined by MassDEP for violations after cleaning a gasoline spill at King Street Convenience in Northampton. In June 2023 Fabian Oil, based in Maine, was delivering gasoline at King Street Convenience when approximately 30 gallons were released on the property. Fabian Oil, ZQHW Corp. of West Springfield, and the Northampton Fire Department worked to contain and clean the release. 14 people without a home after fire on Carlisle Street in Springfield The spill was reported to MassDEP two days later, however, it violated the Massachusetts spill regulations for failing to notify MassDEP within two hours of a release of oil or hazardous materials exceeding 10 gallons. MassDEP fined Fabian Oil $15,625 of which, $8,000 was already paid. The remaining amount is suspended pending they comply with the consent order of training personnel. MassDEP fined ZQHW Corp. $12,500 and is ordered to pay $9,000 of the assessed penalty, in accordance of compliance with the consent order by training its employee. 'Timely notification of environmental releases is more than a regulatory requirement. It's a critical responsibility that ensures swift action to protect our communities and restore impacted properties effectively,' said Michael Gorski, Director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. 'When companies fulfill this obligation, they help safeguard public health and the environment while supporting an effective and efficient cleanup process.' 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.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicopee-based company fined for asbestos violations at multi-family residence in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined a Chicopee-based company for violations during renovations at a multi-family residence in Springfield. Birch Properties, LLC, a Chicopee-based limited liability company, was fined $186,000 after MassDEP discovered violations of asbestos-related regulations during renovation activities at a Westford Avenue multi-family residence in a designated Environmental Justice neighborhood in Springfield. Violations include asbestos-containing pipe insulation and cement siding fragments scattered about the property near neighboring residences between December 22 and May 2023. Birch Properties is ordered to pay $101,005 of the assessed penalty and survey fifteen of their properties, the majority of which are residential, for asbestos. They are also required to perform necessary abatement of asbestos-containing materials that are found to be in poor condition. Current employees will also be trained in asbestos hazards. Westover Air Reserve Base issues loud noise warning If the company complies, MassDEP has agreed to suspend the remainder of the penalty. 'Asbestos is a well-documented human carcinogen, and MassDEP's regulations are in place to safeguard workers, the public, and the environment,' said Michael Gorski, Director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. 'Egregious violations of these regulations warrant substantial penalties. Compliance with asbestos regulations is not optional.' Property owners or contractors who have questions about the handling, removal, packaging, storing, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials can contact the MassDEP Regional office for assistance. 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.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Holyoke Country Club fined for air pollution control and storage tank violations
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Holyoke Country Club for underground storage tank and air pollution control violations. ES Golf Corp., doing business as Holyoke Country Club, was fined $19,000 for failure to install a vapor recovery system for its underground storage tank. The system is used to prevent gasoline fumes from escaping into the air during fuel deliveries to service stations and vehicle fueling. Holyoke-based company fined for asbestos violations at former Eastfield Mall in Springfield The country club was also in violation for failing to conduct third-party inspections of its underground storage tank and failing to maintain a financial assurance mechanism to fund corrective actions caused by an accidental release. As a result, they ultimately removed the underground storage tank. 'Environmental regulations are in place to protect our air, soil and groundwater from pollution while ensuring swift corrective actions in the event of a release,' said Michael Gorski, Director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. 'Holyoke Country Club's decision to remove their tank and resolve the penalty addresses their violation and underscores the importance of adherence to these protective measures.' 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.
