EPA v. SPS NEW ENGLAND

Case summary

On May 6, 2024, the Regional Judicial Officer approved a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) with SPS New England, Inc., a marine construction company, resolving alleged violations of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act. An EPA inspection of the facility found employees of the company power washing a tugboat, resulting in paint chips and other pollutants discharging into the Island End River in Everett, Massachusetts. These discharges were not authorized by any National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. At the direction of the EPA inspectors, the company immediately ceased these discharges and took actions to ensure that no future washwater discharged into the Island End River. The settlement requires that the company pay a $9,743 penalty. The location of the violation is in an area where nearby residents are impacted by many environmental justice issues. The Region consulted with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on this case.

Defendants (1)

• SPS New England, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SPS NEW ENGLAND

  95 BEHEN STREET, EVERETT, MA, 02149

  Registry ID: 110063728596

Statutes cited

• CWA 301 — NPDES Discharge without a Permit

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• SPS NEW ENGLANDentered 2024-05-06

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $9,743

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-05-06Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-05-06Final Order Issued
• 2024-05-08Enforcement Action Data Entered