Massachusetts § 50A - Oil terminals; pollution prevention; revocation of license

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 50A — Oil terminals; pollution prevention; revocation of license, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 50A. Oil terminals; pollution prevention; revocation of license

Section 50A. Notwithstanding the provisions of section fifty, every owner or operator of an oil terminal or wharf shall employ a trained crew and have a boom, on terminal property or readily available under a plan with other persons complying with the law or rules and regulations of the division and of a design approved by the division, which is capable of encircling any ship or vessel depositing oil into tanks or other receptacles at such terminal or wharf, and which is designed to prevent seepage, overflow or excess oil from polluting or contaminating any lake, river, harbor, tidal water or flats. If the director finds that because of the negligence of such owner, operator or one of his agents or servants repeated seepage, overflow or excess oil has contaminated any lake, river, harbor, tidal water or flats, he shall require every such owner or operator to encircle every ship or vessel depositing oil at his wharf or terminal with such a boom. The authority granted to the director under the preceding sentence shall not be construed to diminish his powers to regulate and control oil spillage, including his power to require the use of booms, granted by section fifty. The owner or operator of any such wharf or terminal shall remove any oil held within such boom prior to a ship or vessel leaving the same. A license issued under section fifty to operate a terminal may be revoked for violation of any of the provisions of this section.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 50A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 50A cover?

Section 50A ("Oil terminals; pollution prevention; revocation of license") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 50A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 50A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 50A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.