EPA v. E T COTE & SONS AUTO EXCHANGE INC

Case summary

On May 3, 2023, the Regional Judicial Officer approved an expedited settlement agreement with E.T. Cote & Son Auto Exchange, Inc. (E.T. Cote) of Leominster, Massachusetts resolving alleged Clean Water Act violations of EPA's 2021 Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (MSGP). E.T. Cote operates as an auto salvage business and is primarily engaged in industrial activity under SIC Code 5015 - Motor Vehicle Parts, Used. An EPA industrial stormwater compliance evaluation inspection at E.T. Cote's facility revealed that E.T. Cote was discharging stormwater associated with auto salvage activities at previously unidentified overland discharge points to the Monoosnoc Brook via Leominster's municipal separate storm sewer system. The settlement requires that the company pay a $5,000 penalty. The company is located in an area impacted by Environmental Justice issues. EPA worked in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on this case.

Defendants (1)

• E T Cote & Sons Auto Exchange Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• E T COTE & SONS AUTO EXCHANGE INC.

  37 9TH STREET, LEOMINSTER, MA, 01453

  Registry ID: 110010707100

Statutes cited

• CWA 301 — NPDES Discharge without a Permit

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• E T COTE & SONS AUTO EXCHANGE INCentered 2023-05-03

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $5,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2023-05-03Final Order Issued
• 2023-05-03Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2023-05-08Enforcement Action Data Entered