News Summary
Rhode Island has reached an $11 million settlement with Barletta Heavy Division Inc. over the illegal dumping of hazardous materials during a highway construction project. The settlement concludes an investigation into allegations of unlawful disposal of contaminated fill at the Route 6/10 interchange site. Attorney General Peter Neronha emphasized the importance of accountability in preventing environmental risks. A significant portion of the settlement funds will enhance dental care services for affected youth in Providence, addressing health issues stemming from the incident.
Rhode Island has reached an $11 million settlement with Barletta Heavy Division Inc., a construction company based in Massachusetts, over criminal charges related to the illegal dumping of contaminated fill material during a highway construction project in Providence. This settlement marks the conclusion of an investigation into allegations that Barletta unlawfully disposed of thousands of tons of hazardous materials at the Route 6/10 interchange construction site.
The settlement resolves criminal and civil charges filed against Barletta for their actions, which involved the transportation and disposal of contaminated backfill that included hazardous substances like arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The illegal dumping occurred in 2020 as part of a larger $247 million project to rebuild the critical Route 6/10 interchange, a project that started in 2018. As a result of these actions, Barletta misled state regulators regarding the origins of the fill material.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha stated that the settlement had been necessary to ensure accountability and prevent further environmental risks to the community, following a prior settlement of $1.5 million with the federal government on similar matters before state charges were officially filed in early 2023. The Attorney General expressed that Rhode Islanders deserved a more substantial resolution, leading to the state charges and potential trial.
In total, Barletta is alleged to have disposed of more than 4,500 tons of contaminated materials at the construction site, contributing to increased concerns regarding health and environmental safety for nearby residents. The disposal of hazardous materials sparked discussions about public health implications and the standards that construction companies must adhere to in Rhode Island.
The terms of the settlement dismiss all criminal and civil charges against Barletta with prejudice. This effectively allows the company to proceed with its ongoing infrastructure projects without the burden of unresolved legal issues. Barletta Heavy Division Inc. indicated it looks forward to continuing its work in the infrastructure sector, having already faced repercussions for its actions, including the previously mentioned federal settlement.
As part of the financial settlement, $10 million will be allocated specifically to enhance dental care services for youth in Providence, particularly in neighborhoods affected by the construction activities. This initiative is aimed at providing valuable support to the community and addressing health issues that may have arisen due to the illegal dumping incident. The remaining $1 million will cover the investigation and prosecution expenses related to the case, with the Attorney General’s office receiving $750,000 and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management obtaining $250,000.
An ex-employee of Barletta, Dennis Ferreira, was also involved in the case and has faced charges for submitting false environmental testing reports. He received a suspended prison sentence but did not admit guilt in the matter. This aspect of the incident highlights the internal regulations and responsibilities employees of construction firms must uphold in environmental matters.
The Route 6/10 interchange project, which accommodates approximately 100,000 vehicles daily, is nearing completion. In light of the situation, Attorney General Neronha hopes that Barletta’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other companies regarding environmental compliance and community health. The settlement serves not only as a punitive measure but also as a step towards enhancing public safety and accountability in the construction industry in Rhode Island.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News
- The Daily Star
- Boston Globe
- Wikipedia: Illegal Dumping
- Google Search: Barletta Heavy Division Inc.
