EPA New England Press Releases

EPA ORDERS TOWN OF UPTON TO CONDUCT WATER TREATMENT PLANT STUDY

Alice Kaufman, EPA-New England Press Office; (617) 918-1064

For Immediate Release: July 2, 1996; Release # 96-6-27

BOSTON---The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered the town of Upton, Massachusetts, to submit an engineering study for review by EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection which evaluates the causes of the copper, lead, zinc, and phosphorous discharge violations at the town's wastewater treatment plant. The report will specify corrective measures for bringing the town's facility into compliance with the federal Clean Water Act.

EPA issues National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permits for discharge of wastewater into waters of the United States. The Upton treatment plant discharges wastewater into the West River. The town failed to meet new, more stringent federal standards for copper, zinc lead, and phosphorus. EPA is requiring Upton to submit for review the final plan for its proposed upgrade and expansion of the wastewater treatment facility.

This action is part of a larger effort at EPA's New England office to focus enforcement resources on public agencies and other sources of pollution that pose the greatest risk to people and the environment. Other enforcement targets include certain industrial sectors and facilities located in urban environments and sensitive ecosystems. Since September 1, 1995, EPA-New England has taken seven (7) new actions and settled two (2) outstanding enforcement cases against public agencies for violations of environmental regulations.

 

METADATA

1. TITLE: EPA Orders Town of Upton to Conduct Water Treatment Plant Study

2. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A

3. ABSTRACT: The US EPA has ordered the town of Upton, MA to submit an engineering study for review by EPA and the MA DEP which evaluates the causes of the copper, lead, zinc, and phosphorous discharge violations at the town's wastewater treatment plant. The report will specify corrective measures for bringing the town's facility into compliance with the federal Clean Water Act.

4. PURPOSE: Public Information

5. ORIGINATOR: Regional Administrator's Office

6. PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/96

7. ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: N/A

8. AVAILABILITY: N/A
   a. Distributor:
   b. Order Process:
   c. Technical Prerequisites:
   d. Automated Linkage:
   e. Downloadable Files:

9. COVERAGE: N/A

10. TIME PERIOD OF COVERAGE: N/A

11. POINT OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    Alice Kaufman
    Office of the Regional Administrator
    EPA Region 1, New England
    JFK Federal Building (RAA)
    Boston, MA 02203
    617-918-1064

12. RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
    Doug Gutro
    Office of the Regional Administrator
    EPA Region 1, New England
    JFK Federal Building (RAA)
    Boston, MA 02203
    617-918-1021

13. DATE OF CREATION: 07/09/96

14. AGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: N/A

15. EXPIRATION DATE: 10/03/96