SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Four Massachusetts-based waste and recycling companies have agreed to pay a combined $170,000 in penalties under a consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged stormwater violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

The companies- E.L. Harvey & Sons, Trojan Recycling, Nauset Disposal Holdings, and Arrowhead Environmental Partners—were cited for allegedly discharging industrial stormwater into U.S. waterways without required permits. All four firms are indirect subsidiaries of Waste Connections. The alleged violations followed EPA compliance inspections conducted in 2023.

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According to the consent agreement, the EPA identified multiple instances between 2022 and 2024 where stormwater “associated with industrial activity” was discharged without permits at seven facility locations. Affected waterways included the Paskamansett River, Weweantic River, Salisbury Plain River, Hedges Pond, Seine Pond, and Bennetts Brook.

The EPA issued its final order on December 9, stating that the settlement resolves all claims. The companies have since obtained proper stormwater permit coverage for the cited facilities.

Under the agreement, E.L. Harvey & Sons will pay $86,000, Trojan Recycling $26,000, Nauset Disposal Holdings $38,000, and Arrowhead Environmental Partners $20,000.