November 17, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Equity Transportation Company, Inc. have reached an agreement on an Administrative Consent Order that addresses violations stemming from unlawful discharges of pollutants from its transportation facility located in Grand Rapids.

Equity Transportation is authorized under its storm water permit to only discharge storm water free of any pollutants and is obligated to ensure that pollutants generated onsite do not enter Michigan's waters. The violations resulted from Equity Transportation's failure to properly manage the activities associated with the servicing of its vehicles, allowing various pollutants to enter the storm water.

As part of the consent order, Equity Transportation agreed to pay a civil fine in addition to partial reimbursement for the costs of investigation and enforcement activities conducted by the DEQ. The company has also agreed to submit monthly comprehensive site inspection reports to the DEQ for a period of one year.

"Pollutants from storm water runoff can harm Michigan's streams, wetlands, and waterways," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "The DEQ has a responsibility to ensure that businesses across the state are meeting their commitment to keeping those waters clean and 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 17, 2006 by Pat Watson