EPA v. SCRANTON, CITY OF (SCRANTON, CITY OF SMALL MUNICIPAL)

Case summary

On August 28, 2026, Region 3 filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order ( CAFO ), simultaneously commencing and concluding an administrative enforcement action, against the City of Scranton, PA, (the City) owner and operator of a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) located within the City (the MS4), addressing alleged violations of the Clean Water Act relating to the City's operation of the MS4. The violations alleged include: a) failed to conduct dry weather screenings of each MS4 outfall; b) failed to timely submit an Annual Report; c) failure to develop a written program for the detection, elimination, and prevention of illicit discharges into the MS4; and, d) failure to identify and document all operations that were owned or operated by the Respondent and had the potential for generating pollution in stormwater runoff to the MS4. Violations such as these can potentially lead to discharges of stormwater that may be harmful to both human health and the environment. Taking actions against such violations aligns with Pillar 1 of the Powering the Great American Comeback initiative. The settlement requires the City to certify that it is now in compliance with the CWA and to pay a $49,500.00 civil penalty. The EPA posted a public notice announcing such proposed settlement for a 40-day public comment period. EPA did not receive any comments in response to its announcement. The EPA notified the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in advance of this action, and the Department had no objections.

Defendants (1)

• SCRANTON, CITY OFNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SCRANTON CITY MS4

  URBANIZED AREA SCRANTON 19, SCRANTON, PA, 18503

  Registry ID: 110056408873

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• SCRANTON, CITY OF (SCRANTON, CITY OF SMALL MUNICIPAL)entered 2026-08-28

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $49,500

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2026-08-28Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2026-08-28Final Order Issued
• 2026-08-28Complaint Filed/Proposed Order