News Summary

Barletta Heavy Division Inc. has agreed to pay $11 million to resolve criminal charges stemming from the illegal dumping of contaminated fill during a highway project in Providence, Rhode Island. The company misled regulators about the origins of the fill and faces significant scrutiny following allegations of disposing of over 4,500 tons of hazardous materials. In addition to the settlement, a former superintendent has faced legal repercussions, reflecting the serious environmental and health concerns raised by this incident.

Providence, Rhode Island – Barletta Heavy Division Inc., a construction company based in Canton, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay $11 million to resolve criminal charges related to the illegal dumping of contaminated fill during a highway construction project in Providence. This settlement was announced on May 21, 2023, by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.

The allegations against Barletta revolve around violations of state law and claims that the company misled state regulators concerning the origins of the fill material used during the construction of the Route 6/10 interchange project. The company is accused of illegally disposing of over 4,500 tons of hazardous materials in Rhode Island, raising significant environmental and health concerns among local residents.

These charges were filed following a civil complaint against Barletta’s operations that first came to light in early 2023. Prior to this settlement, the company had already reached a $1.5 million agreement with federal authorities regarding similar violations. The Route 6/10 project, a $247 million endeavor, was initiated in 2018 and completed in 2023. According to reports, the illegal dumping incident took place in 2020 when Barletta transported backfill from prior construction sites to the interchange location.

The Attorney General emphasized that the $11 million settlement is unprecedented and reflects a commitment to obtaining a favorable resolution for Rhode Islanders affected by the company’s actions. As part of this settlement, Barletta admitted to the allegations outlined in the civil complaint. However, the company contended that the soil it used was merely “urban fill,” which it allegedly claimed did not require strict testing.

In response to the illegal dumping, Dennis Ferreira, a former superintendent for Barletta, faced legal repercussions. Ferreira was suspended in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Transportation due to his involvement in the illegal activities and had previously pleaded guilty to the federal charges against him. He was ultimately sentenced to one year of probation and fined $40,000 for his role in the scandal. Barletta has maintained that Ferreira acted independently and without the company’s authorization during the incidents of illegal dumping.

Rhode Island Attorney General Neronha has pointed out that Barletta held a legal obligation to ensure that the fill used on the project was approved by the Department of Environmental Management. The investigation into the company was fueled by complaints from local operators of Union 57 regarding the quality and safety of the materials being dumped, which led to closer scrutiny of their practices.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) conducted tests on samples taken from the construction site, revealing hazardous levels of toxic chemicals. Furthermore, police reports suggested that Barletta may have improperly utilized an environmental assessment from a different site to justify the use of contaminated fill, bypassing the necessary testing protocols required to ensure safe materials were used in construction projects.

Community concerns surrounding the illegal dumping have risen, with residents expressing worries about the potential health effects and environmental hazards posed by the contamination. In light of the settlement, proceeds will be allocated to fund dental care services for youth in Providence, representing a move to address some of the community’s ongoing needs in response to this environmental crisis.

In summation, the charges against Barletta Heavy Division Inc. underscore the critical importance of environmental accountability among construction companies. The resolution of this case not only ensures that the company faces consequences for its actions but also serves as a reminder of the necessity for strict adherence to environmental laws designed to protect public health and safety.