EPA v. GREENWICH WPCF

Case summary

Region I transmitted to OECA a Consent Decree that the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut (Town) has executed to resolve claims for violations of the Clean Water Act and the Town=s NPDES permit. On December 12, 2008, a critical component of the collection system, the Old Greenwich Common Force Main (OGCFM), fractured, resulting in the release of more than 28 million gallons of untreated wastewater to Cos Cob Harbor and Long Island Sound over a five-day period. The OGCFM conveys over 40% of the Town?s daily wastewater flow to the Town?s treatment plant. There are four major elements to the injunctive relief of the proposed Consent Decree. They are: i) replacing or rehabilitating the entire segment of the OGCFM that ruptured in 2008 and was subsequently repaired; ii) evaluating the other segments of the OGCFM and replacing or rehabilitating those segments that the Town concludes may not have sufficient structural integrity (if a portion of the OGCFM that the Town determined to be structurally sounds ruptures, the Town will be required to replace portions of the force main that were not previously rehabilitated or replaced); iii) mapping the entire OGCFM to identify easement conflicts that could hinder access; and iv) developing a communications strategy with holders of conflicting easements to facilitate emergency access in the future. The Town has agreed to pay a cash penalty of $200,000. The Town will also pay a stipulated penalty of $25,000 per day for each release from any portion of the OGCFM that the Town concludes does not need rehabilitation or replacement by May 31, 2014.

Defendants (1)

• GREENWICH TOWN OFNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• GREENWICH WPCF

  SHORE ROAD, GREENWICH, CT, 06830

  Registry ID: 110055973371

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• GREENWICH WPCFentered 2011-06-17

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $125,000 · State/local: $125,000

Timeline (8 milestones)

• 2009-01-21Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2009-07-31Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2009-07-31Referred To Headquarters
• 2011-04-27Final Order Lodged
• 2011-04-27Complaint Filed With Court
• 2011-06-17Final Order Entered
• 2023-03-02NPDES Closed
• 2023-03-02Enforcement Action Closed