MassDEP Issues Penalty to Cretecrew Concrete Services for Waste Site Cleanup Violations

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced it has assessed a $31,000 penalty to Cretecrew Concrete Services, Inc., a concrete foundation company based in Westfield, for failing to complete cleanup of a hydraulic oil spill that occurred at a construction site in Chicopee.
 
On Sept. 20, 2019, the Chicopee Fire Department notified MassDEP regarding the spill of up to 15 gallons of hydraulic oil associated with the failure of a hydraulic hose on a concrete form truck owned and operated by Cretecrew. The spill occurred at a construction site at 114 McKinstry Avenue in Chicopee. 
 
MassDEP staff inspected the site that day and confirmed that a reportable spill of hydraulic fluid to the environment had occurred. Massachusetts regulations require that spills of more than 10 gallons be reported to MassDEP and that immediate cleanup be undertaken. MassDEP staff spoke with Cretecrew on that date to advise of the necessary cleanup.
 
"MassDEP made numerous attempts to assist Cretecrew Concrete Services in complying with Massachusetts waste site cleanup regulations," Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield said. "MassDEP will continue to ensure that parties responsible for oil spills undertake all required cleanup actions."
 
Although Cretecrew personnel initially took some action to contain and clean up the spill, Cretecrew failed to submit a notification form and a cleanup plan or closure statement for the spill. Cretecrew also failed to submit the documentation within deadlines set forth in a Notice of Noncompliance issued on Dec. 17, 2019, that extended the timeframes for Cretecrew to submit the reports. 
 
On Feb. 18, 2020, MassDEP issued an order in a final attempt to compel Cretecrew to comply with the necessary requirements. Cretecrew failed to respond to any attempts by MassDEP staff to contact the company and failed to contact MassDEP after receiving documents issued by MassDEP.
 
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
 

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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