Barletta Heavy Division Settles Contaminated Soil Violations

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Barletta Heavy Division construction site showcasing ongoing operations.

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.