Massachusetts Firm Pays $11M Settlement for Illegal Contaminated Fill Dumping in Providence

Barletta Heavy Division Inc., a Massachusetts-based construction company, has agreed to pay an $11 million settlement to resolve criminal charges related to illegally dumping thousands of tons of contaminated soil during the construction of the Route 6/10 interchange in Providence. The company also admitted to deceiving state regulators about the source and contamination levels of the fill, submitting falsified environmental analyses. The settlement follows earlier federal charges that resulted in a $1.5 million fine, which Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha deemed insufficient to deter future violations. Most of the settlement funds will be allocated to the newly created Attorney General’s 6/10 Children’s Fund, managed by the Rhode Island Foundation, to provide dental care and address health concerns for children in nearby Providence neighborhoods. Barletta’s attorney emphasized that the company looks forward to moving past the issue and continuing its work on public infrastructure projects. The case highlights ongoing concerns about environmental compliance and public health risks linked to construction projects involving contaminated materials.