Resident fined for environmental violations
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The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has fined Amesbury resident John Grossi $12,000 for environmental violations in connection with a construction project on his property.
On Oct. 8, the state agency inspected the property after the project was completed and found the following violations: A driveway exceeded the approved plans; a pier constructed in the riverfront area exceeded the approved plan by two-thirds; the home, which was to be constructed on pilings with an open foundation to allow flow underneath the structure, was found to have wooden paneling surrounding the foundation.
Grossi also failed to comply with an order banning mowing, grading, or alteration within 15 feet of the wetlands. The agency found Grossi had mowed the area and used it as a dumping ground for landscape debris.
"DEP recognizes that changes to a project may occur as it moves from the planning stage to the construction stage, but it's important that people follow proper procedures," said Richard Chalpin, director of the department's Northeast Regional office.
Grossi has agreed to hire a wetlands consultant to properly delineate surrounding resource areas by May 1 and to implement a restoration plan by June 1.
David Cogger
