EPA v. City of Gig Harbor UAO

Case summary

On October 23, 2018, America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) was signed into law; Section 2013(b) of the Act amends Section 1433 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Section 1433(b) requires Community Water Systems (CWS) serving more than 3,300 people to develop or update Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) based on the findings of its Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and certify to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that this work has been completed. CWSs serving 3,301-49,999 people were required to submit certification to the EPA that it conducted its RRA on or before June 30, 2021, and to submit an ERP certification statement no later than December 31, 2021. On May 3, 2022, EPA notified Gig Harbor Water Department CWS that the Respondent must certify their RRA and ERP as required by AWIA. At the time of contact, Gig Harbor Water Department CWS had not yet prepared a RRA and ERP. On May 23, 2022, EPA Region 10 issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) to Gig Harbor Water Department to ensure compliance and implement these protections. According to SDWIS, this CWS serves a population of 10,597 people. According to EJScreen, this CWS is not an area of potential EJ concern.

Defendants (1)

• City of Gig Harbor Water Department (PWS ID WA5327Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• GIG HARBOR WATER DEPARTMENT FACILITY

  GRANDVIEW ST, GIG HARBOR, WA, 98335

  Registry ID: 110012867228

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1412/1414 — National Drinking Water Regulations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• City of Gig Harbor UAOentered 2022-05-23

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2022-05-23Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2022-05-23Final Order Issued
• 2022-05-25Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2022-11-22Enforcement Action Closed