Hadley, Mass. fined for further environmental violations
Mohawk Companies Inc. is in trouble again. In 2005, the company was fined $14,500 for asbestos violations during the renovation of the Mountain Farms Mall. Now the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has fined the company $7,000 for violations of air quality and hazardous waste regulations found during a routine inspection last year. Mohawk must pay $4,000 of the fine, but the remaining $3,000 will be suspended if Mohawk complies with DEP conditions.
This time, the violations involve using a waste oil space heater and dispensing gasoline without a vapor recovery system. Inspectors also found problems in waste management, with improper labeling of waste containers and areas and unsealed waste oil containers.
Like the asbestos violations from a few years ago, these environmental problems were preventable. State officials hope that the action against Mohawk will lead to “an environmental tune-up” for the company.
For the full story, go to the Amherst Bulletin.
