Massachusetts AG Secured Settlement With Pipeline Developer Over Wetland and Water Quality Impacts

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey secured a settlement with Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. and contractor Henkels & McCoy over wetlands and water quality degradation that resulted from the companies’ work on a pipeline expansion project in the Sandisfield and Otis State Forest. The impacts included damage to a sensitive vernal pool, degraded water quality in a cold-water stream, and potential groundwater contamination resulting from the injection of 15,000 gallons of untreated pipeline test water into the ground. Under the terms of the settlement, the companies were required to pay a total of $135,000 in civil penalties, and pay $165,000 to the Natural Resource Damages Trust overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

• Documents: MA Press Release
• Document Type: Press Releases/Statements
• States: Massachusetts
• Issues: Fossil Fuels Natural Resources Pipelines Public Health Public Lands Public Lands & Wildlife Water Water Pollution
• Era: Non-Federal
• Action Type: Environmental Enforcement Litigation