The settlement stems from multiple technical and operational violations of the water supply rules and its temporary operating permit and includes a $12,000 penalty.

Through the agency’s regulatory oversight and during a routine inspection of the system by the water supply division, multiple technical and operational violations of the water supply rules and a previously issued temporary operating permit were observed. These included an unapproved treatment system installation and cross-connection; deficiencies in the treatment, chlorination, and storage facilities; lack of corrosion-control treatment, backflow protection and pressure gauge; as well as lack of updated distribution and treatment system plans, source protection plan, bacteriological sampling plan, and operations and maintenance manual. Pico Village Water Corp. also failed periodically to monitor for coliform and disinfectant by-products, submit consumer confidence reports and issue public notice.

Pico Village Water was notified of the violations and agreed to settle the matter. The corporation began the process of attaining compliance by hiring an engineer and submitting construction permit applications to address the system’s technical issues. It also hired a professional administrator and new licensed operator to oversee compliance and reporting.

The settlement was reduced to an assurance of discontinuance and was so ordered by the Environmental Court. In it, Pico Village Water agreed to issue public notice; complete construction of system improvements in accordance with approved permits; apply for a new operating permit; develop and submit updated plans and manuals; conduct required monitoring; and comply with applicable rules and permits in the operation of the water system. It was also agreed that a civil penalty of $12,000 will be paid to the state of Vermont for the violations.

For Further Information please contact:
Attorney John Zaikowski at 802-241-3820 or email to john.zaikowski@state.vt.us