Lowell-based Tremont Yard LLC and Pelham, N.H.-based Soucy Industries Inc. have been penalized a total of $49,448 each by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for environmental violations that occurred during the redevelopment of 257 Father Morrissette Blvd. in Lowell.

Tremont Yard had entered into a lease with the state to demolish existing structures and redevelop the property, while Soucy Industries was hired by Tremont Yard to perform demolition, renovation and construction activities at the property, according to a statement. William Soucy serves as registered agent and manager for Tremont Yard, and also as resident agent and president of Soucy Industries.

"Redevelopment of old industrial sites like this one play a key role in economic recovery, but environmental protection safeguards are essential," said Richard Chalpin, director of MassDEP’s Northeast regional office in Wilmington. "Developers who push forward without the proper protections in place can jeopardize public health and safety."

After receiving a complaint on July 6, 2008, that oil was present on the surface water of the Western Canal, adjacent to the property, MassDEP inspected the site several times and found that actions taken at the site resulted in the several violations of state regulations, according to a statement.

Tremont Yard, the lease-holder, has agreed to pay $36,000 of the $49,448 penalty, and MassDEP has agreed to suspend $13,448 provided Tremont does not commit additional environmental violations or acts of non-compliance, according to a statement. Soucy Industries will have the entire $49,448 penalty suspended provided the contractor does not commit additional environmental violations or acts of non-compliance.