HADLEY – An investigation into the dumping of concrete debris along a bank of the Connecticut River in Hadley is now in the hands of law enforcement, according to town officials.
Hadley Building Commissioner Timothy Neyhart said Wednesday that police are handling the illegal dumping probe that began in his office when local officials were alerted to the demolition debris May 20.
Hadley Police Chief Michael Mason said local police are working with state Environmental Police to determine who may be responsible for the debris pile, which stretches about 75 feet from the shoreline of the river off Route 47 in North Hadley.
“From what I’m being told, they are making headway,” Mason said of investigators Wednesday. “They’re working on it.”
The concrete rubble is accessible from a sloped and unpaved road directly across from the intersection of Stockwell Road and River Drive (Route 47). Town officials say the property is believed to be owned by the commonwealth.
A spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday that agency also is involved with the investigation.
Mason said the Hadley Police Department was asked to work with Environmental Police on the case because there may be local connections.
“They are working with my investigator on this,” Mason said. “They were handling it, but because we believe local people are involved, we thought the local police department was going to be more effective in determining who did it.”
Mason said at least four or five companies have been interviewed by investigators.
He said any criminal penalties or fines are likely to come from the state Environmental Police and DEP, if police find who is responsible for dumping the concrete.
Town officials were alerted to pile of rubble when Select Board member Donald Pipczynski received an anonymous email about it.
Staff Writer Dan Crowley can be reached at dcrowley@gazettenet.com.