LENEXA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposed settlement with the city of Columbia, Missouri, that resolves allegations the city violated the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants from the Columbia Landfill and Yard Waste Composting Facility.
EPA alleges the city’s landfill and composting facility, at 5700 Peabody Road, discharged pollutants into Hinkson Creek in amounts higher than allowed by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
EPA also alleges the facility did not meet permit limits for biochemical and chemical oxygen demand or total suspended solids and iron. Additionally, the facility did not adhere to storm water best management practices.
The city will pay $54,396 in civil penalties and perform a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) for the construction of a wetland area. The project must not cost less than $475,000.
In a separate order with EPA, Columbia agreed to submit a plan spotlighting how it will come into compliance with the Clean Water Act. Following that, the city will need to submit quarterly updates on its progress.