EPA v. Zapata County Administrative Order

Case summary

On June 29, 2026, Region 6 issued an Administrative Order (AO) under its authority pursuant to the Clean Water Act to Zapata County, Texas. The AO was issued in response to effluent violations of permit limits. The AO requires the facility to; 1.) submit a list of specific actions taken to correct the violations and 2.) submit written certification to Region 6 that the violations have been corrected and the facility is compliant with its permit. The Respondent must respond to Region 6 within thirty (30) days of the effective date of the AO.

Defendants (1)

• Honorable Joe RathmellNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• ZAPATA COUNTY WATER WORKS WWTP

  2500' W OF INTX OF 4TH AVE AND US HWY 83, ZAPATA, TX, 78076

  Registry ID: 110009778151

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Zapata County Administrative Orderentered 2026-06-29

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2026-06-29Final Order Issued
• 2026-07-02Enforcement Action Data Entered