News Summary
Barletta Heavy Division Inc., a Massachusetts construction firm, has reached an $11 million settlement for improperly dumping contaminated soil during the Route 6/10 Connector project in Providence. The settlement addresses Barletta’s misleading practices concerning imported soil safety and funds a dental care program for children in local communities. With all charges dismissed, the case highlights the importance of corporate accountability for environmental compliance and community health.
Providence – Barletta Heavy Division Inc., a construction firm based in Massachusetts, has agreed to an $11 million settlement in response to violations involving the unlawful dumping of contaminated soil. The settlement, announced by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha on May 21, 2025, addresses Barletta’s improper practices during the Route 6/10 Connector redevelopment project in Providence.
The financial resolution signifies Barletta’s admission of importing contaminated soil from out of state and subsequently misleading officials about its safety. Notably, all criminal and civil charges against the company have been dismissed as part of the settlement agreement. Of the total settlement, $1 million will be allocated to both the Attorney General’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the two agencies responsible for the investigation. The remaining $10 million will fund a grant program designed to improve dental care access for children residing near the construction site, particularly in the Olneyville, West End, and Silver Lake neighborhoods.
The scandal dates back to December 2020, when former project supervisor Dennis Ferreira pleaded guilty to providing false information regarding the origins of numerous truckloads of stone and soil used in the project. Ferreira falsely claimed that the imported soil met environmental regulatory standards while in reality, it did not. This deception involved submitting misleading environmental reports to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, thereby putting local communities at risk.
In response to these violations, Barletta Heavy Division previously incurred a $500,000 fine and was required to return $1 million to the federal government. Attorney General Neronha highlighted the importance of holding companies accountable for actions that jeopardize the well-being of Rhode Islanders, reinforcing the notion that such corporate misconduct must be met with serious consequences. The settlement reached aims to ensure that Barletta assumes greater financial responsibility for their actions.
According to DEM Director Terry Gray, the case raised significant concerns over pollution and dust issues stemming from the soil’s improper management. Although the contaminated soil was not classified as hazardous, Neronha characterized Barletta’s actions as egregious, underscoring the critical need for the proper treatment of contaminated materials. Despite health concerns being raised regarding the potential effects of the contaminated soil, officials have reported that there has been no definitive link between the soil conditions and specific health problems in the community.
The outcome of this case is particularly significant for the local communities involved, especially considering the adverse long-term impacts of such environmental violations, particularly on predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods. The funded dental care grant program aims to address the high rates of tooth decay and dental care needs among students in these communities.
Moving forward, Barletta Heavy Division will be allowed to continue operations, albeit with restrictions; the company has been barred from submitting bids on new federally-funded projects during the ongoing investigation. Moreover, the broader legal landscape includes ongoing disputes and allegations of industrial espionage against a competing Rhode Island-based construction firm. As these legal matters progress, the emphasis remains on safeguarding public health and the environment, reiterating the firm’s responsibility to act in accordance with environmental laws and standards.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rhode Island Settles $11 Million Case with Barletta Heavy Division
Barletta Heavy Division Settles $11 Million Contaminated Fill Case
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Barletta Settles RT 610 Interchange Contaminated Soil Case
- Turn to 10: School Construction Continues After Discovery of Contaminated Soil
- WPRI: 6-10 Connector Contamination Controversy Results in Criminal Charges
- Wikipedia: Environmental Issues in Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contamination
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
