The owners of the Campus Plaza Shopping Center in Hadley have been fined $24,430 for failing to report, properly handle and identify the release of contaminated water to a nearby wetland, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Mass DEP staff discovered the problems during an audit of an ongoing cleanup project at the 36-acre site of a large release of tetrachloroethene, or PCE. The manmade chemical is often used in different types of cleaning products—for example, it can help clean clothing and degrease metal.
The PCE was traced to a former dry cleaner at the center, located at 454 Russell Street. It’s unclear what the exact impacts are to the environment, although the center, which includes a grocery store and retail shops, has been deemed safe enough to allow the mall’s continued use.
The company, E&A/I&G Campus Plaza Limited Partnership must pay $15,000 of the fine and must fix its storm water system, among other actions. The remainder of the fine will be suspended on condition that E&A/I&G complies with the order.
“We are pleased that through this agreement, E&A/I&G will be completing changes to the storm water system to reduce the potential for discharge of contaminated groundwater to the wetland,” said Michael Gorski, director of Mass DEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield.
Gorski added that, “increased monitoring and controls are needed to ensure protection of the public health and environment.”
