MassDEP Penalizes Berkshire Springs for Failing to Report Diesel Spill

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized Berkshire Springs Holding Company, LLC, for failing to notify MassDEP of a September 2023 spill of diesel fuel at a service station in Pittsfield. 
 
Berkshire Springs is a bottler and distributor of spring water based in Southfield.
 
"It is critical that customers of gasoline and diesel fueling facilities diligently monitor their fueling operations to avoid spills of petroleum products that would negatively impact public safety and the environment," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. "The cleanup has been completed, and today’s penalty sends a strong message that MassDEP will hold parties accountable for failing to provide notification of releases of petroleum to the environment." 
 
On September 12, 2023, MassDEP Emergency Response personnel were notified by the Pittsfield Fire Department of a spill of diesel fuel at the 480 West Housatonic Street service station. MassDEP staff responded and determined that a sudden release of diesel fuel, likely exceeding the reportable quantity of 10 gallons, occurred when a Berkshire Springs truck was being fueled.
 
MassDEP confirmed through review of video surveillance footage that the Berkshire Springs employee fueling the truck left the vehicle unattended while the pump was engaged. Although the driver was aware of the release, he left the station without notifying station personnel of the release. When station personnel were made aware of the release, they notified Pittsfield Fire and MassDEP. Initial containment of the spill was performed by the Pittsfield Fire Department and cleanup was arranged by the station operator, Global Partners LP. 
 
Although no waterways were affected by the spill, the release impacted an area measuring approximately 30 feet by 30 feet, including the station parking lot out to the public roadway and soil on the western side of the parking lot, and storm drains on the site.
 
MassDEP issued a penalty of $13,125 to Berkshire Springs.

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Pittsfield Post 68-2 Earns 1-0, Extra-Inning Win on Road

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LONGMEADOW, Mass. – Aidan Underdown Wednesday doubled in the winning run in the top of the eighth as the Pittsfield Post 68-2 American Legion Baseball team beat Longmeadow, 1-0.
 
Derek Roy started the winning rally with a single to center field. One batter later, Underdown doubled to right field to bring Roy home with the game’s first and only run.
 
Scott Hoffman struck out seven and scattered four hits in a complete-game effort on the mound for Post 68-2.
 
Devin Reynolds doubled in a five-hit attack for Pittsfield.
 
Post 68-2 (3-5) takes a two-game win streak into Monday’s home game against Westfield Post 124.
 
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