October 13, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced that the DEQ entered into an Administrative Consent Order with the Houghton Lake Sewer Authority in Roscommon County to resolve violations of Michigan’s water protection laws that resulted in the discharge of contaminants to local water resources exceeding permitted levels from the Authority’s Wastewater Sewage Lagoon treatment system. The permit exceedances have occurred since 1998.

The sewer authority has committed to eliminating the illegal discharges of contaminants by modifying the WWSL operations. To facilitate the upgrades, they have entered into contracts with an engineering firm and have applied for a State Revolving Fund loan.

“We are pleased that the Houghton Lake Sewer Authority has agreed to make needed upgrades to its system,” said Director Chester. “Their actions will assist our efforts to ensure Michigan’s environment is protected, and our waters kept clean.”

The Consent Order requires the sewer authority to pay a civil fine and to reimburse the DEQ’s enforcement costs for investigation of the violations. As part of the compliance program contained within the Consent Order, they have voluntarily agreed to complete all activities necessary to achieve compliance with their permit, including stopping all unpermitted discharges of wastewater and contaminants to the waters of the state, by no later than December 1, 2009.

The WWSL provides sanitary sewage treatment services to Roscommon, Lake, and Denton Townships.

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 October 13, 2006 by Pat Watson