Uxbridge Board of Health weighs fines, court action or license revocation for repeat trash-hauler violations

The Town of Uxbridge Board of Health on Oct. 15 addressed repeated permit noncompliance by a local trash hauler (identified in the transcript as Mr. Marchand) and discussed enforcement paths including daily fines, referral to court for injunctive relief, and potential license revocation.

Staff explained the regulatory options and legal mechanics: the board can levy daily fines under its existing regulations, pursue non-criminal disposition, or seek injunctive relief in court. Staff and counsel noted that court action may be more likely to secure compliance and reimbursement of town costs, whereas fines alone can be difficult to collect if the operator refuses to pay.

Board members emphasized the need for careful documentation and proper notice before levying fines or initiating revocation: Member 2 said fines should be used with discretion and stressed the need to "dot our i's and cross our t's" to support any enforcement action. Members also discussed that a recent state indictment involving the operator could affect the town's enforcement options and potential outcomes.

The board did not levy fines or revoke the hauler's permit at the meeting. Instead it agreed to have legal counsel attend the next meeting to outline the town's options and next steps; members also discussed preparing clear documentation of permit violations and the timing of any cease-and-desist or citation process.

Next steps: counsel will be asked to attend the next meeting to advise on fines, revocation procedures and potential court action, and staff will prepare documentation of violations and permit conditions for consideration.