State, Athens County Mobile Home Park Owner Settle Water Pollution Violations; Agreement Will Improve Wastewater Discharges into Margaret Creek
February 8, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that the State of Ohio has entered into a proposed consent order with Raymond Croxford, doing business as Knollwood Mobile Home Park (U.S. Route 50 West, Athens County). The order resolves allegations of violations related to unauthorized wastewater discharges from the park’s wastewater treatment plant into Margaret Creek.
Croxford is agreeing to make repairs at the plant to eliminate threats to public health and the environment; immediately apply for and comply with the proper permits; hire and maintain a properly certified operator to oversee the plant; and pay a $100,000 civil penalty and any stipulated penalties for failure to comply in the future.
On behalf of Ohio EPA, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office filed a complaint in early 2009 in the Athens County Court of Common Pleas for numerous violations of Ohio’s water pollution control laws and the discharge limitations and monitoring requirements of Croxford’s wastewater discharge permit. The State also alleged that even after Croxford’s permit expired in the fall of 2006, he continued to unlawfully discharge treated, partially treated or raw wastewater into the creek and failed to employ a certified plant operator.
The permanent injunction requires Croxford to comply with the conditions of his expired wastewater discharge permit until a new permit is issued. In addition to applying for and complying with that new permit, Croxford is in the process of obtaining a permit to install a disinfection system at the plant by May 1, 2011. Croxford also has agreed to submit a qualified consultant’s assessment of his plant to Ohio EPA by February 21, 2011; complete all recommended plant repairs by November 21, 2011; and pay the civil penalty by August 22, 2012.
As outlined in the public notice, written comments on the proposed consent order will be received through March 1, 2011, at Ohio EPA, Southeast District Office, Attn: Division of Surface Water Enforcement Supervisor, 2195 Front St., Logan, OH 43138. The final approval and entry of the proposed consent order will not occur until after the public comment period ends. The State of Ohio reserves the right to withdraw or alter the proposed consent order based on comments received.
MEDIA CONTACT: Erin Strouse, Ohio EPA, (614) 644-2160;
Ted Hart, Ohio AGO, (614) 728-4127
CITIZEN CONTACT: Jed Thorp, Ohio EPA, (614) 644-2160
