Worcester-based Price Chopper Operating Co. of Massachusetts Inc. has been assessed a $9,000 penalty from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) because of wetlands violations.
Price Chopper must resolve violations of the Wetlands Protection Act that occurred during construction of a new supermarket located at 731 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury, according to a statement. During an inspection of the property in February, MassDEP personnel observed the discharge of silt-laden runoff from the construction site, and the lack of effective erosion and sedimentation controls at the site. A Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) was first issued, requiring the company to stop all discharges to the wetlands, and submit an erosion control and restoration plan.
Through the newest consent order, Price Chopper has agreed to continue the implementation of the erosion control plan required in the initial UAO, and to implement the MassDEP-approved wetland restoration and mitigation plan, according to a statement. The plan includes drainage improvements, wetland replication activities, plantings and sediment removal from an adjacent stream.
"Developers can avoid the time and additional resources needed to correct damages to wetland resources by placing erosion and sedimentation controls as required," said Paul Anderson, deputy director of MassDEP’s Central regional office in Worcester.
