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3 Agawam Power providers Pay $8.5 Million in fines for Tampering with Pollution Equipment in Violation of the Clean Air Act
Posted by: Allison Friedman // Rate It Green Admin
Berkshire Power Co., and plant operator Power Plant Management Services, and former plant operator EthosEnergy Power Plant Services have agreed to pay $8.5 million in fines for deliberately tampering with pollution control equipment for Berskshire Power's plant in Agawam, Massachusetts, between 2009 and 2011.
These are the first-ever criminal charges for making false statements to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
According to Tyler Amon, a special agent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the three companies engaged in a "deliberate scheme" by Berkshire Power Plant management and staff to misreport emissions data and gain a competitive advantage over other generators.
“This resolution," says US Attorney General Carmen Ortiz, "addresses a pattern of behavior by multiple persons and entities in obstructing the enforcement of laws designed to protect the air we breathe." “The comprehensive resolution ... demonstrates the seriousness with which we take conduct which undermines environmental compliance and the fair regulation of energy markets.”
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey also affirmed, "Fraud against the commonwealth is very serious and will be aggressively prosecuted, criminally and civilly, by this office, especially when the consequence of the fraud is to expose the public to health and safety risks,” said Massachusetts AG Healey in a statement. “This type of conduct can not be tolerated.”
Many know Agawam, Massachusetts as the home to the 6 Flags amusement park. This would seem a great venue for crowds to enjoy safe and honest air.
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