Grease backup at Mass Pike East forced temporary closure; DEP notified, McDonald’s closure noted

Jim Philbrook, the Town of Charlton’s health department head, reported that a backup of solid grease caused sewage to back up into restrooms and hallways at businesses along Mass Pike East on Sunday, forcing the state police to close the exit and secure the site.

Philbrook said state police, MassDOT and town staff responded; a contractor snaked lines, MassDOT crews lifted manholes to confirm the flow was not coming from the state main, and crews cleared a solid grease clog. Philbrook said he watched and videotaped the work and that a local representative (identified in the meeting as Benny Masterson) filed a report with MassDEP documenting the release.

Philbrook said the site was cleared and reopened at about 3:30 a.m.; he estimated the closure lasted from roughly 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., about six hours. He said the state trooper on scene directed the town to keep the site closed until the department head authorized reopening and that public safety measures included signage and barriers placed by MassDOT.

Philbrook told the board the town notified the insurance company and disposed of contaminated materials; he said MassDEP was notified via the department’s hotline and that the town will follow any required reporting or remediation steps. He also told the board that the McDonald’s at the site is scheduled to close June 30 and that no bidder has been identified yet to operate the facility after that date.

The report prompted no formal vote or enforcement action during the meeting; Philbrook said the town will continue inspections and coordinate with MassDEP and other agencies as needed.