SHREWSBURY — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Shrewsbury Police Department announced the resolution of three illegal dumping cases.
Hidden surveillance cameras by MassDEP in the area of Bow Street in Shrewsbury captured 12 individuals illegally disposing of debris. The materials included concrete, trash, furniture, mattresses, asphalt, and other construction materials.
Three of these cases have been settled, resulting in penalties and mandatory clean-up actions. Nine cases are pending in the Westborough District Court.
In one of the resolved cases, a truck operated by R. Nunes Landscaping Corp. of Worcester was caught on camera dumping concrete debris in an area within a Drinking Water Wellhead Protection zone. The company faced a penalty of $6,960, with a portion allocated for an environmental cleanup project in the vicinity.
In another case, Worcester residents Angel Ortiz Cruz and Joseph Smith were found guilty of illegal dumping, with both ordered to pay restitution to the town.
“Illegal dumping poses severe threats to our environment and communities. It’s not just a victimless crime,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson added that the collaboration with MassDEP demonstrates their commitment to tackling the persistent issue of illegal dumping in the area.
MassDEP’s Environmental Crimes Strike Force works with local police and public works departments to deter illegal dumping across Massachusetts. Violations may be reported by members of the public via the MassDEP website.
Image Credit: Hsin Ju HSU, Massachusetts Statehouse, CC BY-SA 3.0
