EPA, DOJ settle with Massachusetts town over Clean Water Act violations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) said late last week that they have reached a settlement with Swampscott, Massachusetts, over Clean Water Act violations that involved the discharge of polluted storm water into the ocean.

“Under this settlement, the town will continue to work cooperatively toward controlling contaminated storm water reaching beaches,” EPA Regional Administrator Curt Spalding said. “The town has made improvements in recent years, and we expect that progress to continue.”

The EPA said the town released pollutants such as e. coli and enterococcus bacteria, as well as ammonia, into the Massachusetts and Nahant Bays between 2010 and 2012.

“By entering this consent decree, Swampscott will take the steps necessary to stop pollutants from entering Massachusetts and Nahant Bays,” U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said. “Swampscott is required to locate the source of all unauthorized discharges that enter its storm drains and eliminate them. Successful implementation of the consent decree will result in cleaner storm-water system discharges and a healthier environment for all.”

The town also will pay a fine of $65,000.

EPA Testimony Statements -- http://www.epa.gov/ocir/hearings/testimony/113_2013_2014/2013_2.htm