Conservation Group Moves Toward Lawsuit Against Cranberry Giant A.D. Makepeace Over Alleged Illegal Sand Dumping
PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MA — A major environmental dispute is escalating in Southeastern Massachusetts as the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has issued notice that it intends to sue cranberry industry giant A.D. Makepeace Company,
Alleging illegal sand mining and unlawful dumping that has damaged wetlands and waterways across Plymouth and surrounding towns.
According to the group, A.D. Makepeace — the state’s largest cranberry grower and one of the biggest landowners in the region — has for years conducted large-scale excavation and earth removal operations at multiple cranberry bog sites in Plymouth and Carver. CLF alleges the work involved stripping soil layers, removing sand and gravel, and depositing material into protected wetlands without required federal permits, in violation of the Clean Water Act.
The environmental organization says the activity has led to permanent or long-term damage to sensitive wetlands, altered natural water flow, and increased risks of flooding and habitat loss in surrounding communities.
CLF has now formally issued a notice of intent to sue, a required legal step before filing in federal court. If the lawsuit moves forward, the group could seek restoration of impacted wetlands, compliance orders, and financial penalties against the company.
A.D. Makepeace has strongly denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “baseless” and arguing that its operations are fully permitted and compliant with state and federal law. The company maintains that its work is part of lawful cranberry farming and land management practices and has previously criticized similar environmental claims as attempts to block development in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The dispute adds to a growing pattern of legal and regulatory tension in Plymouth County over sand excavation, cranberry bog expansion, and environmental protections — an issue that has increasingly drawn scrutiny from residents, scientists, and conservation groups.
No court filing has yet been made, and the case remains in the pre-lawsuit stage.
**More updates to follow as this story develops.**