Police: Contractor dumped snow in Merrimack River

LAWRENCE - An investigation has been launched after surveillance video caught a contractor allegedly dumping snow plowed from a parking lot into the Merrimack River in Lawrence.

Mayor William Lantigua says he personally witnessed the dumping, which involved 42 trucks over a three-hour period late Sunday night and into Monday morning.

Police Chief John Romero tells The Eagle-Tribune that dumping plowed snow into water is a violation of federal clean water laws, because the snow contains salt, oil and other contaminants.

Police have informed both state and federal environmental regulators.

Lantigua said he is "very upset" especially since the snow was trucked in from a neighboring town.

The contractor declined comment when contacted by the newspaper but told police he accepted "full responsibility."

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