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EPA Seeks Fine Against West Springfield for Oil Spill at High School

Release Date: 01/28/04
Contact Information: Contact: Andrew Spejewski, EPA Press Office, (617) 918-1014

For Immediate Release: January 28, 2004; Release # 04-01-13

BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has filed an enforcement complaint against the City of West Springfield regarding a 4,000 gallon oil spill last year at West Springfield High School. As part of the administrative process, EPA will be proposing a penalty which will reflect the seriousness of the violations. The statutory maximum penalty for the alleged violations is $27,500.
 
The complaint stems from an oil spill on July 25, 2003, when a pipe in the boiler room at West Springfield High School broke during construction at the school. Approximately 4,000 gallons of heating oil leaked into a local brook. EPA inspections found oil and damage to aquatic vegetation in a retention pond along Bagg Brook.

"Given the environmental damage that resulted from this spill, it is appropriate that we are seeking a penalty against the city," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. "This incident is a stark reminder that everyone needs to be careful when working around oil tanks and pipes. Spills of this magnitude can cause serious environmental damage."

Related Information:
Oil Storage Facility Spill Prevention and Planning
Oil Spills/SPCC Enforcement Program