EPA v. FOREST PARK TRALER COURT

Case summary

On August 25, 2021, Region 10 issued a Safe Drinking Water Act Section 1431 emergency order to Mr. Paul Ritz, Ms. Valerie Ritz, Ritz Consulting Forest Park LLC, and Ritz Consulting One Limited Partnership (Respondents) requiring action to address contamination risks associated with the Forest Park Trailer Court Public Water System (PWS) in Chugiak, Alaska. Contamination risks are related to the PWS? proximity to the community sewer line and potential backsiphonage associated with low water pressure. An unapproved temporary water system, which the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation cannot confirm provides safe drinking water, is subject to imminent failure due to its unheated, above-ground construction in a sub-arctic climate. The first freezing event in the region can come as early as September. As a result, the Forest Park Trailer Court residents will be without water or will be required to use water from the PWS containing likely contaminants. Thus, the health of Forest Park Trailer Court residents is subject to imminent and substantial endangerment. The PWS serves between 75 and 175 full-time residents. The emergency order requires Respondents to: 1) maintain the PWS? boil water notice; 2) within ten (10) days provide EPA with fully comprehensive engineering plans and as-built designs for the PWS and temporary system; 3) within thirty (30) days provide EPA a long-term plan for the PWS that corrects the separation distance and water pressure issues subject to EPA approval; and 4) provide an alternate water supply to the Forest Park residents if directed to do so by EPA.

Defendants (4)

• PAUL TITZNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• RITZ CONSULTING ONE LIITED PARTNERSHIPNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• VALARIE RITZNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• RITZ CONSULTING FOREST PARK LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• FOREST PARK TRAILER COURT (SDWA AK2210794)

  16533 OLD GLENN HIGHWAY, CHUGIAK, AK, 99567

  Registry ID: 110017918869

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1431-PWS — Emergency Powers/PWS

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• FOREST PARK TRALER COURTentered 2021-08-25

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2021-08-25Final Order Issued
• 2021-08-25Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2021-08-31Enforcement Action Data Entered