On June 17, 2016, EPA Region III executed an administrative order on consent with Hazleton, resolving CWA violations of Hazleton's stormwater MS4 general permit. EPA determined that Hazleton was violating the MS4 general permit by: failing to have a written procedure for the detection of illicit discharges; failing to develop and maintain a map of its MS4; and failing to develop and implement a municipal employee stormwater training program. During the negotiations with EPA, Hazleton developed a revised written program for the inspection, detection and elimination of illicit discharges, and revised its stormwater training program for municipal employees. Hazleton has also begun an updating of its MS4 in a format that maps the entire system in one easily identifiable document. In addition, Hazleton has committed to the completion of a rain garden project at the Hazleton Regional Airport that will reduce the velocity and volume of stormwater flowing into nearby Lake Irena, at an approximate cost of $11,500.
In a related administrative consent agreement, Hazleton has agreed to pay a $3,000 civil penalty for the stormwater permit violations. That consent agreement is subject to a 40 day public comment period before becoming a final administrative order.