May 10, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality has entered into an administrative consent order with the Genoa Oceola Sewer and Water Authority, located in Livingston County, to resolve alleged violations of the Authority’s wastewater discharge permit and Michigan’s water resource protection laws. The alleged violations included a discharge of approximately 2.4 million gallons of raw sewage to a wetland in November 2004; discharges of treated wastewater that did not meet the requirements of the Authority’s wastewater permit on numerous occasions; and failure to develop a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP).

“Municipalities must operate and maintain their wastewater systems to keep pollutants out of our waters,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “The Genoa Oceola Sewer and Water Authority is now taking necessary steps to improve its operations and prevent future violations from occurring.”

Under the Consent Order, the Authority is required to complete a detailed assessment of its wastewater system’s operations and oversight; develop and implement a work plan to address issues and recommendations identified in the assessment; submit monthly reports to the DEQ regarding system planning, operations, and performance, as well as staffing and training needs; and certify that they have obtained a certified storm water operator, and developed and implemented a SWPPP. The Authority also paid a civil fine of $54,000 and reimbursed the DEQ $4,766 for its enforcement costs.

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 May 10, 2006 by Pat Watson