MassDEP Fines Company $21,000 for Waste Oil Spill
Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined N.R. Underwood & Sons Enterprises, Inc. $21,000 for violating waste oil spill reporting and cleanup regulations. The company failed to promptly notify MassDEP of a spill and began cleanup without proper authorization and oversight.
What changed
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $21,000 penalty to N.R. Underwood & Sons Enterprises, Inc. for violations related to a waste oil spill. The company failed to report the spill within the required timeframe and proceeded with cleanup activities without a health and safety plan, a Licensed Site Professional, or prior MassDEP approval, impacting the Assabet River.
This enforcement action serves as a reminder to businesses of the critical importance of timely reporting of environmental releases and adherence to cleanup regulations. Companies must ensure they have proper protocols in place for spill notification and remediation, including engaging licensed professionals and obtaining necessary approvals. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and enforcement actions, underscoring the need for robust environmental compliance programs.
What to do next
- Review and update spill reporting procedures to ensure immediate notification to MassDEP.
- Verify that all waste oil storage and cleanup protocols comply with state regulations, including the requirement for a Licensed Site Professional and prior MassDEP approval for remediation activities.
- Conduct environmental compliance training for relevant personnel.
Penalties
$21,000
Source document (simplified)
- This page, MassDEP Issues Fine for Oil Spill Impacting Assabet River in Hudson, is offered by
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
- show more
Press Release
Press Release MassDEP Issues Fine for Oil Spill Impacting Assabet River in Hudson
For immediate release: 12/29/2025
- 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 assessed a $21,000 penalty to N.R. Underwood & Sons Enterprises, Inc., for violating state cleanup regulations at its hardware store at 31 Washington Street in Hudson.
Instead of promptly notifying MassDEP of an oil spill as required by state regulations, N.R. Underwood waited four days to report a release of waste oil — from a ruptured storage tank — that impacted the Assabet River. The company also violated oil and hazardous material cleanup regulations by beginning cleanup and waste remediation management without a health and safety plan, without a Licensed Site Professional (LSP), and without prior MassDEP approval.
"Timely communication of a waste oil release and coordination with professionals on cleanup is required to safeguard workers, the public, and the environment," said Andrea Briggs, acting regional director of the MassDEP Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Delays can increase risk and result in fines and enforcement actions. We urge business and property owners to follow these important regulatory standards carefully."
N.R. Underwood has since properly completed cleanup of the spill and submitted documentation to MassDEP confirming that remediation is complete and meets the standard of no significant risk to public health, safety, or the environment.
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
Help Us Improve Mass.gov with your feedback
Did you find what you were looking for on this webpage? Yes No If you have any suggestions for the website, please let us know. How can we improve the page? Please do not include personal or contact information. You will not get a response The feedback will only be used for improving the website. If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page. Please limit your input to 500 characters.
Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. You will NOT get a response. If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. You will NOT get a response. If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page. Thank you for your website feedback! We will use this information to improve this page.
If you need assistance, please visit the MassDEP Contacts & Service Center page.
If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site.
Related changes
Source
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get Environmental Regulation alerts
Weekly digest. AI-summarized, no noise.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when MA MassDEP News publishes new changes.