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EPA Proposes $5,000 Fine to Belchertown Development For Failure to Provide Information on Stormwater Compliance

Release Date: 07/08/2002
Contact Information: Andrew Spejewski, EPA Press Office, 617-918-1014

BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it has proposed a $5,000 fine against Re/Max Prime Properties, Inc. for failing to provide information concerning stormwater discharge during construction activities at Belchertown Business Center in Belchertown, Mass. Re/Max Prime Properties, located in Belchertown and an independently owned real estate franchise of Re/Max International, Inc., owns the property.

"It's regrettable that we have to file an administrative complaint in order to collect information required by law," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for EPA's New England Office. "Because controlling run-off pollution from construction sites is vital for keeping our waters clean, we're going to make sure that companies follow stormwater rules. And that includes fining companies that refuse to properly cooperate with our investigations."

According to last week's administrative complaint, EPA New England requested specific information on Jan. 30 in order to investigate the company's compliance with federal stormwater permit requirements. The request was spurred by an EPA visit to the construction site in October, 2001. The company has not yet responded to repeated requests for this information, which was due by Feb. 25.

Under the Clean Water Act, EPA has the authority to request information regarding compliance with clean water rules, and to issue administrative penalties for failure to provide information