EPA v. WARREN WWTP

Case summary

On May 31, 2024, EPA issued a Clean Water Act administrative order (Order) to the Town of Warren, Massachusetts that addresses alleged violations of the copper limit contained in its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Medium Wastewater Treatment Facilities. The Town's treatment plant is not able to meet the copper limit based on its current configuration and operational procedures. The Order requires the Town to submit a copper report outlining the steps that it will take to meet its copper limit and to implement those steps under the Order. Copper is toxic to aquatic organisms at certain concentrations and chronic exposure to copper can lead to adverse effects on survival, growth and reproduction. While EPA is responsible for implementing the Clean Water Act in Massachusetts, the Region worked in close coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in this matter.

Defendants (1)

• Town of Warren, MANamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• WARREN W W T P

  2527 MAIN STREET, WEST WARREN, MA, 01092

  Registry ID: 110000550582

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• WARREN WWTPentered 2024-05-31

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-05-31Final Order Issued
• 2024-05-31Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-06-04Enforcement Action Data Entered