EPA v. Birdhouse Garage

Case summary

On August 15, 2022, Region 10 issued a Unilateral Administrative Order for alleged violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act by Mr. William Peterson III and Ms. Robyn Mitchell dba Birdhouse Garage located in Indian, Alaska. Respondents own and operate an automotive repair shop in which Respondents conduct repair on motor vehicles. Respondents are alleged to be in violation of the regulations protecting underground (groundwater) sources of drinking water from an injection well. Injection well activity can allow movement of fluid containing contaminants (such as wastewater from vehicle repair) into underground sources of drinking water. Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells (MVWDWs) were banned in Alaska in August 2005. Under this Order Mr. William Peterson III and Ms. Robyn Mitchell dba Birdhouse Garage are required to permanently close the injection well. Closure of the MVWDW protects drinking water from potential motor vehicle contaminants.

Defendants (1)

• Mr. William Peterson II and Robyn MitchellNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BIRDHOUSE GARAGE

  29521 SEWARD HWY, INDIAN, AK, 99540

  Registry ID: 110070891896

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Birdhouse Garageentered 2022-08-15

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2022-07-01Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2022-08-15Final Order Issued
• 2022-08-15Complaint Filed/Proposed Order