Medford, Massachusetts Company Settles with E.P.A. for Oil Spill

BOSTON - Erickson Fuel Company, Inc., a Medford, Massachusetts oil distributor, has agreed to pay a penalty of $14,500 to settle E.P.A. claims regarding a January 2014 oil spill, and Erickson's failure to prepare an oil spill prevention plan.

The January 2014 oil spill originated from a parked diesel fuel delivery truck and ultimately caused oil to be released to Winter Brook, which flows into the Mystic River. The oil discharge prompted an emergency response that included EPA, the Medford Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

E.P.A. alleged that the company had not prepared a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan, as required by the Clean Water Act. SPCC projects specify spill prevention and response measures at facilities that store oil above threshold amounts and help ensure that a tank failure or oil spill does not lead to oil reaching bodies of water. After the spill, the facility worked cooperatively with E.P.A. and has prepared an SPCC project for EPA's review.

"This case clearly shows the value and importance of preparing projects and taking actions ahead of time to prevent oil spills before they occur," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office. "Preventing pollution from occurring is easier to accomplish and less costly than cleaning up spills and delivers after they occur. Businesses and facilities play a big role ensuring that our environment is protected."

More information on Oil spill prevention: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/index.htm

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