March 24, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced that on March 22, the department entered into an Administrative Consent Order with Leoni Township in Jackson County to resolve civil violations of Michigan’s water protection laws, as well as provisions of discharge permits, that have occurred at the Township’s Wastewater Treatment Plant since 2002. The violations included the discharge of contaminants above permitted levels, WWTP and sewer system operational violations, and sanitary sewer overflows to waters of the state.

“Our permitting programs exist to protect our state’s environment and public health,” said Director Chester. “When the requirements of a permit are violated, the DEQ is obligated to take action to assure that the facility corrects the problem.“

The Consent Order entered into between the DEQ and the Township requires the Township to pay a civil fine in the amount of $87,500 and to reimburse the DEQ’s enforcement costs for the investigation surrounding the violations. As part of the compliance program contained in the Consent Order, the Township has agreed to evaluate the capacity of the WWTP and the sewer system, improve general operation and maintenance, and implement appropriate quality control at the laboratory.

The Township’s WWTP provides sanitary sewer services to Leoni, Grass Lake, Blackman, Napoleon, Norvell, and Columbia Townships; the villages of Brooklyn and Grass Lake located in Jackson County; and Sylvan Township located in Washtenaw County. Additionally, the WWTP has served as a septage receiving station beginning in the year 2001.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised March 24, 2006 by Pat Watson