Through the Agency's investigation, three violations were discovered regarding the City of Newport's wastewater treatment facility: 1) it was unable to provide records to show proper treatment of biosolids prior to land application; 2) it failed to have the necessary facility staff present during a rain event which resulted in the discharge of 160,000 gallons of untreated effluent into the Clyde River, and 3) it failed to upgrade pumping and control equipment as required by a 10 V.S.A. §1272 Order.

The biosolids violation came to light as part of a compliance inspection at the facility. Respondent self-reported the 160,000 gallon discharge of untreated wastewater to the Agency. Respondent also acknowledged that it could not meet the deadline to have new pumps and control equipment installed as required by the issued 10 V.S.A. §1272 Order. After the investigation was completed, the City of Newport was notified of the violations and agreed to settle the matter.

The settlement was reduced to an Assurance of Discontinuance and was so ordered by the Environmental Court on January 3, 2006. In it, the City of Newport agreed to comply with their certification and discharge permit conditions. It was also agreed that a $12,531 supplemental environmental project will be funded.

Involved Program: Wastewater Management Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation

For Further Information please contact:
Attorney Gary Kessler at 802-241-3820 or email to gary.kessler@state.vt.us