School Building Project's Contractor, EPA Resolve Alleged Clean Water Act Violation

Photo credit: Geof Simons.

The general contractor of the North Reading High School and Middle School project, Gilbane Building Co., reached a settlement with the EPA that involved ”EPA allegations that the company violated a Clear Water Act General Construction Permit at the work site,” according to the EPA.

“An EPA enforcement action resulted in reduced amounts of sediment and contaminated run off impacting streams and waterways” near the project, said the EPA.

The EPA complaint includes an allegation that Gilbane “did not adequately implement measures to fully prevent potentially harmful impacts on waterways during their work at the North Reading Middle School and High School. Gilbane Building Co., based in Providence, R.I., was the general contractor of a construction project that began in Jan. 2013 at the 32+ acre site, including demolition, reconstruction and renovation of several school buildings, as well as construction of parking lots, a waste water treatment facility, and athletic fields,” according to the EPA.

The EPA said:

“While the company did obtain coverage for the construction job under the ’General Construction Permit’ under the federal Clean Water Act, EPA claimed that not all stormwater pollution control practices were being sufficiently maintained to minimize discharge of pollutants off the worksite to the Ipswich River. While not agreeing with EPA’s allegations, Gilbane worked cooperatively with EPA to resolve this matter and will pay a penalty of $12,500 under the terms of the settlement.

“Rainwater running off construction sites can carry sediments, oil and other pollutants which contaminate nearby streams, ponds and rivers. Sediments reduce the storage capacity of drains and waterways, causing flooding and adversely affecting water quality and fish habitat. Sediments and chemicals can also contribute to fish die-offs, toxic algae blooms, contaminated shellfish beds and closed swimming beaches.

“Construction operators of a site disturbing more than one acre are required to apply for either an individual permit or coverage under a General Permit for ’Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities.’ The permit requires the use of ’best management practices’ to prevent erosion and sedimentation of waterways that can result from construction activities.

“To assist developers and builders into coming into compliance, EPA has developed written materials, web sites, workshops, and other products to help those involved in construction projects understand how to comply with storm water laws.”