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EPA ORDERS WALPOLE COMPANY TO UNDERTAKE AIR QUALITY TESTING AT BRAINTREE SITE

Release Date: 11/18/1999
Contact Information: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office (617-918-1008)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a Walpole site-preparation company to conduct air emission observations at a property in Braintree where residents have complained of fugitive dust and other problems.

The administrative order stems from an EPA inspection earlier this year regarding S.M. Lorusso & Sons Inc.'s rock blasting, crushing and hauling operation at the Blue Hills Cemetery site which is being prepared for future expansion. The inspection - prompted by a citizen complaint - led EPA to conclude that Lorusso had violated federal performance standards by not conducting air emission observations upon commencing the site-preparation operation at the Braintree site.

Under the order, Lorusso has 30 days to develop a plan for conducting emissions testing of equipment at the site and to hire a certified inspector who will conduct a visual inspection at the site. The company has until April 15, 2000 to comply with all aspects of the order.

"Neighbors living near the cemetery site have been complaining for months of dust and other problems from this operation," said John P. DeVillars, administrator of EPA's New England Office. "The testing that we're requiring will give us a better handle on the extent of the problem there and what steps need to be taken."