The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced on April 17 that it has fined Pittsfield Generating Company, LP, $21,500 for exceeding emission limits at its facility on Merrill Road in Pittsfield.
This enforcement action addresses concerns about industrial pollution and regulatory compliance. Air permit regulations are designed to limit the amount of certain pollutants released into the atmosphere by facilities like power plants.
According to MassDEP, the company reported two incidents in July 2025 where hourly nitrogen oxide emissions exceeded permitted levels and one incident in December 2025 involving excess hourly ammonia emissions. Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield, said, “Rigorous compliance with state air regulations requires constant and careful diligence. Significant penalties are imposed to hold parties accountable and deter future noncompliance.”
Under a consent order with MassDEP, Pittsfield Generating Company agreed to pay the penalty and provide additional operating training to prevent future violations. The company has already started corrective actions.
The MassDEP Central Regional Office operates as a division of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection according to the official website. The office serves 77 towns and cities with a population of about 900,000 according to the official website and covers Worcester County as well as parts of Middlesex and Norfolk counties according to the official website. It also provides regulatory oversight for major river basins and safeguards key watersheds according to the official website.
Looking ahead, officials say that steps such as operator training are intended not only to resolve current issues but also prevent similar violations from occurring again.
