Reading High School Builder Hit With $157,500 Fine

In May 2004, TLT began construction of the town's new high school - Reading Memorial High School located at 62 Oakland Road.

Nearly three years later, in April 2007, an EPA inspector at TLT's construction site observed failed construction, stormwater erosion and sediment controls, as well as construction debris in the Aberjona River.

Stormwater from TLT's construction site discharged in to the Aberjona River, which flows into the Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes, which in turn flow into the Mystic River, and finally to the Boston Harbor.

EPA determined the construction company was discharging stormwater from the site to waters of the United States without authorization.

TLT failed to apply for coverage under the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities.

EPA also determined that TLT failed to update its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, failed to document construction site erosion and sediment control inspections, and failed to maintain records.

EPA also found that TLT failed to comply with state and local wetlands bylaws.

The $60 milion high school was completed in the fall of 2007, but the EPA waited until July 30 to announce the penalty imposed on TLT Construction.

The EPA says that as stormwater flows over a construction site, it can pick up and transport pollutants, such as oil and grease from petroleum products, metals from paints and sealants, sand and aggregate from unstable material stockpiles, and solvents and construction debris.

Contaminated stormwater runoff that reaches a stream can harm or kill fish and or other aquatic wildlife, the agency points out. Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from a construction site can affect an aquatic habitat and cause stream bank erosion and flooding.

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