Acton Corporation Assessed $60,000 Penalty for Violating Massachusetts Clean Waters Act Requirements 

The North Acton Treatment Corporation has been assessed $60,000 in penalties by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for violations of Groundwater Discharge Permit regulations that occurred at its wastewater treatment facility, located at the Nagog Park Development in Acton. 

Monthly operator reports documented repeated effluent violations at the facility, and repeated exceedences of permit flow limits due to excessive infiltration and inflow (I/I) in the sewer system. In March of 2007, MassDEP issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) to the facility in response to sewage overflows occurring at the facility's pump stations. The UAO required daily inspections of the pump stations, and immediate corrective actions to prevent further sewage releases to the environment.

In a recently finalized consent order, the corporation has agreed to bring its wastewater collection and treatment system into compliance. It also agreed to evaluate and upgrade the wastewater treatment facility, repair or replace non-functioning components in its sewer pump stations and submit a sewer evaluation survey detailing corrective actions needed to eliminate excessive I/I in the sewer system. MassDEP will review and approve all proposed corrective actions to be carried out.  

The Corporation will pay a $20,000 penalty to the Commonwealth and spend and additional $10,000 to fund a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) designed to develop an educational program for users of public and private sewer systems. Working in conjunction with the Acton Board of Health, the program will inform users of issues regarding stormwater, sump pumps, and chemical additions that can affect wastewater operations and private sewage treatment systems. MassDEP has agreed to suspend the remaining $30,000 penalty, pending compliance with the order.

"This system is one of the largest and oldest private groundwater discharges operating in the Commonwealth," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "The upgrades and improvements outlined in this agreement should correct the violations and provide for operation of the facility in a manner that protects the environment, and is in compliance with all permit requirements."

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