BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has reached a settlement agreement with Mattuchio Construction Co. Inc. for $72,000 over alleged illegal waste dumping.
The Malden-based excavation and construction firm allegedly violated the state’s solid waste management laws by disposing of concrete and other construction and demolition waste debris. The alleged unlawful dumping took place in Methuen between February and August 2008.
“We allege this company violated state regulations that prohibit waste dumping at unauthorized disposal sites,” Healey said. “Our office will vigorously enforce laws that protect public health, safety and the environment in Massachusetts. This settlement will help pay for the evaluation and much-needed cleanup of this illegal dumping ground in Methuen.”
Thomas J. Battye Sr. owned the site in Methuen where the illegal dumping allegedly occurred. Battye, who died in December, never applied for the right permits from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), according to the claims.
“The disposal of solid waste materials must be done properly and at facilities that are approved or permitted to accept those materials,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Illegal dumping of solid waste undermines the laws that have been put in place to protect residents and the environment in the commonwealth, and companies that violate those protections, and the individuals involved will be held accountable.”
The consent judgment will force Mattuchio to pay the $72,000 over 2 1/2 years. The state says $7,000 of that will be waived if the company complies with the state’s solid waste laws for the next 30 months.