Millbury recycling facility fined for asbestos and mercury violations

By  Paul Ploumis 14 Aug 2015  Last updated at  10:23:15 GMT

EVERETT (Scrap Monster): Millbury-based Central Mass Recycled Metals, LLC., has been fined by the Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection (DEP) for violating asbestos and mercury management regulations. The authority has imposed a fine of $36,775 on the company.

According to press release, the action by the DEP follows inspection conducted at the company’s 14-21 McCracken Road facility by MassDEP's asbestos program and Environmental Strike Force during August and October in 2013.

The August 2013 inspection had spotted asbestos violations at the site. The agency officials had found asbestos-containing insulation lying exposed in outdoors and on pieces of scrap metal and dismantled boilers. The October inspection revealed that the company had failed to adhere to state mercury management laws by not removing mercury-added components before crushing of vehicles. Consequent to the inspection findings, the company had hired an asbestos contractor approved by the state authorities to collect and safely dispose of the materials containing asbestos. It also had to stop crushing vehicles without removing mercury-added components.

A Massachussets DEP press release reminded scrap metal facilities to ensure that the materials they receive are clean and free of asbestos. It also noted that failure to remove mercury-added components before crushing may cause serious threat to human life and environment. The DEP further stated that scrap facilities will be subject to thorough inspection by authorities. Failure to comply with regulations may invite huge penalties and corrective measures.