EPA v. HAYS WHITE COW PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM

Case summary

On September 8, 2015, the System reported to the EPA a loss of pressure resulting in the Mission Housing Development served by the System being without water. An on-going investigation attributes a line break to the pressure loss. Loss of pressure may cause a net movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system that are common in all water systems. Back siphonage also is a condition resulting from low or no pressure. Such system failures carry a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease causing organisms could enter the distribution system, posing a potential imminent and substantial endangerment to human health.

Defendants (2)

• FORT BELKNAP INDIAN COMMUNITYNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN UTILITYNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• FORT BELKNAP INDIAN COMMUNITY AND PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN UTILITIES

  ROUTE 1, BOX 66 AND 91, HARLEM, MT, 59526

  Registry ID: 110024264678

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1431-PWS — Emergency Powers/PWS

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• HAYS WHITE COW PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMentered 2015-09-10

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2015-09-10Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2015-09-10Final Order Issued
• 2015-09-22Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2016-04-01Enforcement Action Closed