EPA v. Stepping Stone Builders, Inc.

Case summary

On July 5, 2017, Region 10 filed a consent agreement and final order resolving alleged violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act by Stepping Stone Builders, Inc., located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Stepping Stone Builders, which leases building space for three motor vehicle service businesses, is alleged to be in violation of the regulation protecting underground (groundwater) sources of drinking water from injection wells. Injection well activity can allow movement of fluid containing contaminants (such as wastewater from vehicle servicing) into underground sources of drinking water. Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells (MVWDW) were banned in Alaska in August, 2005. Stepping Stone Builders was aware of the ban and constructed a MVWDW following the ban. The facility is under a compliance schedule to close the well by August 31, 2017. If contamination is found, closure requires removal of all contaminated liquids, sludge and soil in and around the injection well. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $36,500, which recovers the economic benefit the company received by operating a MVWDW.

Defendants (1)

• Richard WatsonNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• ROYAL INDUSTRIAL PARK #1 - #6

  3490 KOBA WAY, FAIRBANKS, AK, 99701

  Registry ID: 110069550989

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1422/1423 — UIC Regulations Classes I - V

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Stepping Stone Builders, Inc.entered 2017-07-05

  Primary law: SDWA

  Federal penalty: $36,500

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2017-04-27Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2017-07-05Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2017-07-05Final Order Issued
• 2018-01-30Enforcement Action Closed