Larry McKissick II, Negligent Discharge of Oil, Massachusetts 2013

BOSTON, Massachusetts – A local business owner has been brought to justice for his role in a devastating oil spill that harmed the environment and put nearby residents at risk.

Larry McKissick, II, 43, of Charlton, was sentenced to 12 months of probation, including four months of home detention, for violating the federal Clean Water Act. McKissick, the President of Charlton Welding and Repair, Inc., was also ordered to pay a fine of $75,000 and submit a written public apology to the Boston Globe Metro West Edition, or Worcester Region Edition or Worcester Telegram and Gazette, within two weeks of sentencing.

The oil spill occurred on June 11, 2010, when McKissick washed diesel fuel off of the parking lot at his business property after realizing that the fuel had been released from a storage tanker parked on the property. It is estimated that 3,200 gallons of diesel fuel were released from the storage tank and washed into a tributary stream connected to the Quinebaug River, causing significant impacts to the wetlands and residents of a nearby housing complex.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) oversaw extensive cleanup efforts within the wetlands, which triggered a six-month response costing more than $680,000. The spill also created noxious fumes that endangered nearby residents and complicated the immediate clean up actions performed by MassDEP.

McKissick pleaded guilty to negligently discharging a harmful quantity of oil into or upon the navigable waters of the United States in October 2012. His negligence had serious consequences, and he must now face the legal repercussions. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anton P. Giedt of U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz’s office.

Environmental agencies and officials are committed to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the consequences of neglecting environmental regulations.

The United States Attorney’s Office, the EPA, and the MassDEP have worked together to bring this case to justice and ensure that those who harm the environment are held accountable. This case highlights the need for responsible business practices and the importance of complying with environmental regulations to prevent such devastating consequences.

Defendant: Larry McKissick, II

Crime: Violating the federal Clean Water Act

City and State: Boston, Massachusetts

Date: June 11, 2010 (oil spill), October 2012 (guilty plea)

Sentence: 12 months of probation, including four months of home detention and a fine of $75,000

Dollar amount: $75,000 fine

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