November 15, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality and the city of New Baltimore have reached a cooperative agreement to resolve violations that have occurred at the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant since 2004. The city has entered into an Administrative Consent Order that will help to preserve and protect the region's water quality.

The violations include the discharge of pollutants that exceeded permitted levels. In 2005, the city conducted an engineering evaluation of its WWTP to determine what adjustments were required to meet its permit limits. Based upon the evaluation, the city proposed extensive upgrades and worked with the DEQ to establish a schedule for the improvements.

"Through this agreement, New Baltimore will be making substantial improvements to its system that will eliminate these discharges and protect Michigan's waters," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "We are pleased to work cooperatively with the community to keep our environment safe."

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 November 15, 2006 by Pat Watson