EPA New England Press Releases

EPA Orders Winchendon to Improve Treatment Plant for Public Health and Environment

Contact: Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1042)

For Immediate Release: October 19, 2000;Release # 00-10-22

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the Town of Winchendon to make plans to improve its wastewater collection system so that eventually it will no longer discharge raw sewage into the Miller's River during rainy weather.

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NPDES EPA HQ Water Enforcement

In an administrative order signed this week, EPA New England ordered the town to correct deficiencies in the operation of its existing wastewater treatment facilities found by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in a June 26 inspection. In addition, EPA ordered the town to come up with a long-term plan to upgrade its treatment plant and collection system so that it meets the limits imposed by its federal discharge permit, including preventing illegal raw sewage discharges to the river.

According to the order, the Winchendon system has discharged untreated sewage from unauthorized outfalls into the Millers River on numerous occasions over the past five years. The town has also discharged pollutants from its treatment plant outfall in excess of the limits in its federal permit.

"The town's violations in its sewer system are a problem not only for residents of Winchendon, but for recreational uses by residents in the downstream communities of Templeton and Royalston," said Mindy S. Lubber, Regional Administrator of EPA New England. "This action orders the town to clean up its system for the future protection of the public and the environment."

In April, EPA New England proposed a $5,000 fine against the town of Winchendon for failing to provide information concerning unauthorized raw sewage discharges during wet weather. According to the administrative complaint, town officials did not respond to repeated requests for information requested under the Clean Water Act. The town agreed to pay the penalty and submitted the required information to the agency.

 

1. TITLE: EPA Orders Winchendon to Improve Treatment Plant for Public Health and Environment
   
   
2. ABSTRACT: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the Town of Winchendon to make plans to improve its wastewater collection system so that eventually it will no longer discharge raw sewage into the Miller's River during rainy weather.
   
   
3. PURPOSE: Public Information
   
   
4. ORIGINATOR: Regional Administrator's Office
   
   
5. PUBLICATION DATE: 10/19/2000
   
   
6. ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: N/A
   
   
7. AVAILABILITY: N/A
   a. Distributor:
   b. Order Process:
   c. Technical Prerequisites:
   d. Automated Linkage:
   e. Downloadable Files:
   
   
8. COVERAGE: N/A
   
   
9. TIME PERIOD OF COVERAGE: N/A
   
   
10. POINT OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    Amy Miller
    Office of the Regional Administrator
    EPA New England
    1 Congress Street, Suite 1100 (RAA)
    Boston, MA 02114-2023
    617-918-1042
    
    
11. RESPONSIBLE PARTY:
    Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1008)
    Office of the Regional Administrator
    
    
12. DATE OF CREATION: 10/19/2000
    
    
13. AGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: N/A
    
    
14. EXPIRATION DATE: 11/20/2000