PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Massachusetts-based construction firm has agreed to a record $11 million settlement to resolve criminal charges stemming from the illegal dumping of contaminated construction material during a major Rhode Island infrastructure project.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced the settlement Wednesday, calling it a significant step toward accountability after years of environmental and legal scrutiny involving the Canton-based contractor, Barletta Heavy Division Inc.

The case centers on Barletta’s role in the $247 million reconstruction of the Route 6/10 interchange, one of the largest highway projects in Rhode Island’s capital city. According to investigators, in 2020 Barletta illegally transported and disposed of more than 4,500 tons of contaminated backfill at the site—material sourced from other construction projects and allegedly mislabeled as safe "urban fill."

The attorney general’s office said the company not only broke environmental regulations but also actively misled state regulators.

“When the federal case against Barletta was resolved some time ago, I strongly believed that Rhode Islanders deserved a better outcome, and so we proceeded with our state case,” said Neronha. “I am pleased that now, because of our demonstrated willingness to take this case to trial, Barletta has paid an unprecedented monetary amount of $11 million dollars to resolve our case.”

The $11 million agreement follows an earlier federal settlement in which Barletta paid $1.5 million to the U.S. government related to the same dumping activity. The state’s criminal case, however, sought additional penalties due to the impact on local communities and alleged deception by the company.

“Whether Barletta learns from this experience remains to be seen,” Neronha added. “But they have paid a heavy price for their unlawful, irresponsible, and deceptive behavior, and deservedly so.”

The fill, described by the company as typical urban soil, was found to contain hazardous materials, prompting concern over public health and environmental safety in the Providence area.

Despite the settlement, Barletta has not admitted to any wrongdoing. In a statement issued by the company's legal counsel, the firm expressed a desire to move forward.

“With today’s settlement agreement and the dismissal with prejudice of all criminal and civil charges in this case, Barletta is pleased to put this matter behind us and looks forward to continuing our long history of successfully and responsibly delivering world class public infrastructure projects,” said Shannon Reilly, an attorney representing Barletta.

The illegal dumping incident has brought renewed focus on environmental oversight in public construction, particularly regarding how contaminated fill is classified and transported across state lines. Advocates and watchdogs say the case underscores the need for stricter regulations and stronger enforcement mechanisms.

As part of the settlement, Neronha’s office announced that the funds would be reinvested into the Providence community.

“Proceeds of the $11 million settlement will be used to fund dental care services for Providence city youth,” Neronha said, highlighting how the financial penalty would directly benefit local residents.

The 6/10 interchange project, which has since been completed, was intended to modernize one of the state's most heavily traveled corridors. But environmental groups and city leaders have long voiced concerns over the long-term impacts of poor soil management and the potential exposure to toxic materials during and after construction.

Barletta’s settlement is being hailed as one of the largest environmental-related resolutions in Rhode Island’s history, and legal experts say it may set a precedent for how future cases involving construction contamination are handled.

Originally reported by The Associated Press in ABC News.