EPA settles with Ardagh Glass Inc. for $225,000 in penalties and environmental projects

Ardagh Glass Inc. in Milford, Massachusetts, will pay a $103,440 civil penalty and fund supplemental environmental projects costing roughly $122,000, according to the terms of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) settlement over improper wastewater discharges, the agency announced on Wednesday.

An EPA inspection in Sept. 2013 discovered that the company was not keeping to permitted limits for maximum daily flow, temperature and residual chlorine concentrations in its cooling water discharges since 2010. The company was also in violation of its stormwater discharge permit and released untreated process wastewater into nearby wetlands. These measures of the Clean Water Act are in place to preserve water quality, prevent pollutant contamination and erosion and protect aquatic habitats.

“We are glad that action has been taken to make sure wastewater and stormwater discharged by the company complies with federal permits and standards designed to protect our environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator for New England Curt Spalding. “This action will ensure that the Charles River is protected."

The company’s supplemental environmental projects will go towards stormwater treatment equipment and fire fighting equipment for the Town of Milford Fire Department.

EPA testimony statements are available online at www.epa.gov.