Sandy, Ore., settles Clean Water Act violation with penalties and sewer hookup limits
(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the city of Sandy have agreed on a set of measures the city will undertake to stem the city’s frequent violations of the Clean Water Act, including significantly limiting new sewer connections and upgrading its aging wastewater treatment system.
“This agreement shows what we can do when we work together,” said Casey Sixkiller, Regional Administrator of EPA Pacific Northwest & Alaska office in Seattle. “The city of Sandy is taking the right steps to correct a long-standing problem, and EPA will be there to support their progress wherever we can.”
The consent decree settles violations of the Clean Water Act that date back to 2017 when DEQ found that discharges from the city’s wastewater treatment plant were regularly exceeding permitted levels and polluting Tickle Creek and the Clackamas River. As part of the agreement, Sandy must complete a set of improvements to the wastewater treatment plant by Oct. 31, 2023, that will improve reliability and capacity.
Additionally, the city must continue with its Sewer Assessment and Rehabilitation Program to reduce the amount of rain and groundwater that enters the collection system. The investigation portion of the project must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025, and all identified corrective measures within the sewer system must be completed within 10 years.
The city agreed to pay $500,000 in civil penalties for violations of its water quality permit – $250,000 to the U.S. Treasury and $250,000 to Oregon.
This settlement furthers EPA's National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative to reduce significant noncompliance with discharge permits by municipalities and improve surface water quality.
“I’m proud that we were able to come together to resolve an issue in a way that protects the environment and people’s health and holds the city of Sandy accountable, while also addressing the needs of a growing community,” said DEQ Director Leah Feldon. “The Clackamas River is an Oregon gem, and this agreement will help ensure it runs clear and cold for generations to come.”
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