As a result of unauthorized marina modifications, Zecco Marine will pay a $2,378 penalty to the state and build a boat slip for the Wareham Harbormaster, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

After purchasing the marina from the previous owner, Patrick Zecco submitted in 2013 to MassDEP a request for a minor modification of the facility's existing Chapter 91 license that was issued in 2001. MassDEP subsequently identified during its review that there had been numerous unauthorized modifications since the 2001 license.

“Most of the violations seem to have taken place prior to the current ownership, which should serve to remind any potential shorefront purchaser that due diligence is essential,” said Philip Weinberg, director of MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office in Lakeville.

Zecco Marine was assessed a total penalty of $9,512 for the unauthorized modifications to the marina. Zecco will pay $2,378 of the penalty and will conduct a Supplemental Environmental Project in lieu of the remainder of the penalty.

Zecco, the manager of the facility at 2 Warr Ave., agreed to implement a project which providing a boat slip capable of accommodating a 30-foot vessel for a period of three years to the Wareham Harbormaster at no cost, saving the town $10,530 over that time period.

The unauthorized modifications to marina structures, which include 21 pile-supported finger piers, two floats, a float extension and four piles, encompasses 1,406 square feet and is currently subject to review by MassDEP.

“The unauthorized structures were put in place primarily to enhance safe-docking, not as a means to add slips. Given that this facility came forward to identify the violations, it has helped in reaching an innovative agreement that ensures the facility gets back into compliance with Chapter 91 waterfront regulations,” said Weinberg.