AUGUST 20, 2025 -ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ON CONSENT
On August 13, 2024, EPA inspectors, accompanied by an MDEQ inspector, conducted a Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI) of the WWTP and determined that the Town was not properly operating and maintaining its WWTP. Conditions at the WWTP included the presence of excessive solids and algae and/or duckweed in the chlorine contact chamber. The chlorine contact chamber exterior wall showed signs of leakage. In Lagoon Cell 1, one of three aerators was removed for repairs and the other two were inoperable, and there was no valve control to prevent effluent from entering cells. All of these issues reflect a failure on the part of the Town to properly operate and maintain the WWTP.
Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of this Order on Consent, the Town shall draft and submit to the EPA for review and approval a wastewater treatment plant Operations and Maintenance Plan (OMP). The plan shall address specific measures and procedures to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of the WWTP to achieve compliance with all NPDES Permit limitations, including but not limited to:
a. A daily operation sheet for the operation of the WWTP
b. Procedures for preventative WWTP maintenance
c. Instructions for vegetative growth control and trash removal and disposal
d. Procedures for measuring flow
e. Procedures for effluent sampling
f. Protocol for proper lagoon operations
g. A schedule by which any new or existing personnel ar