EPA v. WASHINGTON MILLS, INC.

Case summary

On May 5, 2026, the Regional Judicial Officer for EPA Region 1 approved an expedited settlement agreement with Washington Mills Group, Inc. ( WM ) of North Grafton, Massachusetts, resolving alleged violations of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act. On November 21, 2024, Region 1 conducted an inspection of WM's facility, which produces abrasive materials, and found that the facility was illegally discharging pollutants from raw material storage and transfer areas to the Quinsigamond River. WM failed to comply with multiple requirements in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES ) Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity ( MSGP ), including failing to select and install effective stormwater control measures, failing to minimize the exposure of industrial activities to stormwater, failing to take corrective actions to mitigate unauthorized stormwater discharges, failing to conduct routine facility inspections and effective quarterly visual assessments, as well as failing to meet its reporting obligations. The settlement requires that the company pay a $19,688 penalty. The Region worked in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on this case.

Defendants (1)

• Washington Mills Group, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• NORTH GRAFTON WASHINGTON MILLS, INC.

  20 N MAIN STREET, NORTH GRAFTON, MA, 01536

  Registry ID: 110071069864

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• WASHINGTON MILLS, INC.entered 2026-05-05

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $19,688

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2026-05-05Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2026-05-05Final Order Issued
• 2026-05-06Enforcement Action Data Entered