Press Release: 2019-12-09

MassDEP Assesses $17,021 Penalty to Harr Motor Co. for Violating Air Quality and Hazardous Waste Regulations at their Worcester Facilities

MassDEP Assesses $17,021 Penalty to Harr Motor Co. for Violating Air Quality and Hazardous Waste Regulations at their Worcester Facilities


12/06/2019

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a $17,021 penalty to The Harr Motor Company for violating the Massachusetts Air Pollution Control and Hazardous Waste regulations at its facilities located at 29 Glennie Street and 100 Gold Star Boulevard in Worcester.


During an inspection of the Harr Auto Body facility prompted by a citizen’s complaint of smoke and odor, MassDEP personnel observed that one of the company’s waste oil space heaters was malfunctioning and causing air pollution in the surrounding area.  Additionally, the company did not have MassDEP and local fire department approvals for the space heaters at this location and at its retail dealership down the street. The company was also illegally transporting waste oil without a license between two of their facilities. Under a recently finalized consent order, Harr will pay a $17,021 penalty. The company has since corrected the violations.


“Waste oil is considered a hazardous waste in Massachusetts, and it must be managed in accordance with all applicable regulations in order to prevent impacts to the environment and human health,” said Mary Jude Pigsley, director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “This includes operating space heaters properly and safely managing the transport of waste oil.”