BOSTON, MA, Feb. 3, 2011 -- The Mt. Tom Generating Company, LLC, has agreed to a settlement of $40,814 for violations of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The company violated its federally issued permit over a five month period when it was conducting construction work at its coal-fired power plant facility, located in Holyoke, Mass. The company discharges its wastewater to the Connecticut River.
Discharges of muddy storm water resulting from construction work in violation of a federal Clean Water Act discharge permit had prompted EPA to file an enforcement action seeking penalties against the company. The company has since terminated the discharge to the river.
"All companies that are involved in construction activities play a critical role in protecting our waterways," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. "Protecting water quality in our rivers, lakes and streams means we are protecting the health of our citizens, guarding our natural resources and sustaining vibrant local economies."
Rainwater running off construction sites can carry sediments and other pollutants which contaminate nearby streams, ponds and rivers potentially impacting water quality and wildlife habitats. EPA works to ensure that companies engaging in construction implement protective measures to ensure that damaging discharges to our nation's waters do not occur.
More information:
EPA Water Permit Program in New England (http://www.epa.gov/region1/npdes)
Enforcing Clean Water requirements in New England (http://www.epa.gov/region1/enforcement/water)
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