EPA v. CLARKSBURG WATER BOARD

Case summary

On July 14, 2021, Region 3 issued an emergency SDWA administrative order to the Clarksburg Water Board, directing the Board to identify lead service lines and provide an alternative source of drinking water to all customers who may be impacted by the lead exposure. Working closely with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR), EPA determined that emergency action was necessary to the address an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health. The order also requires the Water Board to notify homeowners on steps to reduce lead exposure and the availability of an alternate water supply or certified filters to impacted customers. EPA determined that the Water Board failed to timely notify the public about the risk of lead exposure, and, as required in an administrative order issued by the WVDHHR on July 2. EPA?s order reinforces the state?s efforts, as well as re-affirming deadlines for work to be performed by the Water Board to determine the scope of the problem and appropriately address it. WVDHHR was first alerted to the problem in May, 2021 following reports of three cases of children with elevated blood lead levels at three homes in Clarksburg, and samples taken at the homes indicated the presence of elevated lead levels in the drinking water. The Clarksburg water system serves approximately 17,686 persons and has 7,913 service connections. In addition, the system provides water to other public water systems that serve an additional 38,225 persons. Clarksburg is an EJ community of concern.

Defendants (1)

• CLARKSBURG WATER BOARDNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• CLARKSBURG WATER BOARD

  1001 SOUTH CHESTNUT STREET, CLARKSBURG, WV, 26301-4254

  Registry ID: 110000534985

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1431-PWS — Emergency Powers/PWS

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• CLARKSBURG WATER BOARDentered 2021-07-14

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2021-07-14Final Order Issued
• 2021-07-28Enforcement Action Data Entered