The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection fined the club $115,860 for violating protected wetlands and waterways during construction last year. The club also agreed to restore all wetland areas that were altered as a result of the non-permitted project.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced it was fining Hampden (Mass.) Country Club $115,860 for violating protected wetlands and waterways along Watchaug Brook during construction last year, the Springfield (Mass.) Republican reported.
In addition to the fine, the club has also agreed to restore all wetland areas that were altered when construction was done without a wetlands permit, the Republican reported.
The state DEP inspected an area adjacent to Watchaug Brook on December 24 in response to a complaint. The inspectors found construction activity involving heavy construction equipment was taking place and the country club had failed to obtain the necessary federal and state permits that are required for any work done near wetland areas, the Republican reported.
In addition, inspectors with DEP, the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found evidence that significant alterations to wetland areas had occurred. The club had opened up several acres of unstable land, filled in and placed sections of the brook in a pipe, filled in wetlands and altered existing ponds, the Republican reported.
Brian Harrington, deputy regional director for the Western Regional DEP office in Springfield, said when companies ignore existing regulations and do wetlands work without proper permits, “Massachusetts DEP will impose appropriate monetary penalties and require restoration.”
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