$60,000 Fine for Wetlands Violations in Mendon
Summary
MassDEP issued a $60,000 penalty to Rte. 85 Realty Corp. for conducting unauthorized construction work within legally protected wetland areas at 134 North Avenue in Mendon. In April 2024, MassDEP responded to a referral from the Mendon Conservation Commission and confirmed violations after inspecting the site. The company entered into an agreement with MassDEP to restore the altered wetland resource areas and pay the penalty.
What changed
MassDEP issued a $60,000 penalty to Rte. 85 Realty Corp. for violating wetlands regulations at its property at 134 North Avenue in Mendon. In April 2024, MassDEP responded to a referral from the Mendon Conservation Commission, which alleged that alterations were visible on publicly available aerial images of the property. Following an inspection, MassDEP confirmed that construction work had occurred within legally protected wetland areas without required approvals. Rte. 85 Realty entered into an agreement with MassDEP to restore the altered wetland resource areas and pay the penalty.
Developers and property owners conducting construction activities near wetlands should ensure they obtain all required permits and approvals prior to beginning any work. Failure to obtain prior review and permitting as required under the Wetlands Protection Act can result in significant financial penalties and restoration obligations. Companies with property involving wetland resource areas should audit their compliance status and engage with relevant conservation commissions and MassDEP before undertaking any alterations.
What to do next
- Pay the $60,000 penalty to MassDEP
- Restore the altered wetland resource areas as agreed with MassDEP
- Obtain required approvals before any future construction in wetland areas
Penalties
$60,000 monetary penalty
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Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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Press Release
Press Release MassDEP Issues Fine for Wetlands Violations in Mendon
For immediate release: 4/14/2026
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Media Contact
Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP
Phone
Call Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at 857-274-7522
Online
Email Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at fabienne.alexis@mass.gov
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $60,000 penalty to Rte. 85 Realty Corp. for violating wetlands regulations at its property located at 134 North Avenue in Mendon.
In April 2024, MassDEP responded to a request for assistance from the Mendon Conservation Commission. A portion of the Rte. 85 Realty property includes wetlands bordering a pond on the western edge of the property and the Commission alleged that alterations were visible on a publicly available aerial image. MassDEP inspected the site and confirmed that construction work had occurred within legally protected wetland areas on Rte. 85 Realty’s property without required approvals.
“Prior review and permitting is necessary to ensure compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act,” said Andrea Briggs, acting director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “Developers who fail to go through preconstruction review often cause unnecessary and harmful impacts to important wetland resource areas.”
Rte. 85 Realty entered into an agreement with MassDEP to restore the altered wetland resource areas and pay the $60,000 penalty.
Media Contact
Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP
+
Phone
Call Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at 857-274-7522
Online
Email Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at fabienne.alexis@mass.gov
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Media Contact
Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP
Phone
Call Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at 857-274-7522
Online
Email Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at fabienne.alexis@mass.gov
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