250 Lignan Street

Volume of Earth Removed: Approximately 165,000 cubic yards

• 2016-2017: 50,000 cubic yards permitted (expired).
• April 2022: Morse Brothers applied for an earth removal permit from the Town of Halifax to remove 1,140,000 cubic yards over 67 acres to build cranberry bogs and water supply ponds. However, they withdrew the application after public opposition exposed the environmental impacts and revealed that this was not “cranberry agriculture,” but a stand-alone mining operation.

Despite the expired 2016 permit, Morse and Ryco continued mining well into 2022 and 2023.

Area Impacted: Archaeologically significant “Whaleback” Esker and adjacent glacial hill; at least 15 acres in recent years.

In 2023, local residents filed a lawsuit against Morse Cranberry, Oiva Hannula Cranberry, and Ryco Excavating to stop the illegal mining and protect drinking water. On June 21, 2023, Superior Court Judge Glenny denied the residents’ motion for a preliminary injunction.

July 18, 2024: For the second time in two years, the Town of Halifax issued a cease and desist order to Morse Brothers to stop strip mining on the shores of Monponsett Pond. The Town issued a $30,000 civil penalty for mining violations.

As of Jan. 2025, the Morse brothers and Oiva Hannula And Sons Inc. appealed the decision, and the State denied the towns request to deny the permit.