OhioEPA
PUBLIC INTEREST CENTER
P.O. Box 1049, 122 S. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43216-1049
Tele: (614) 644-2160 Fax: (614) 644-2737

Media Contact: Jim Leach
(614) 644-2160

Citizen Contact: Kevin Johnson
(614) 644-2160

Village of Gnadenhutten, OH – 2/17/2004
Ohio EPA and the Village of Gnadenhutten have reached an agreement under which the village will correct long-standing operational problems at its wastewater treatment plant. The plant discharges to the Tuscarawas River. In addition to upgrading the plant and hiring a certified plant operator, the village will pay a civil penalty of $7,800 for violating Ohio’s water pollution control regulations.

Numerous inspections by Ohio EPA since 1996 document a pattern of noncompliance with the village’s discharge permit, with violations including:

* exceeding limits for ammonia, cadmium, chlorine, chromium, copper, fecal coliform, lead, mercury, nickel, silver and zinc;

* failing to perform adequate daily operation and maintenance at the plant (with the plant frequently being unattended), which resulted in conditions where significant growth of bacteria occurred, certain equipment was corroded, and septic odors triggered complaints from nearby residents; and

* failing to submit monthly operating reports when required.

Village officials also agreed to:

* submit a detailed plan for plant and sewer system improvements, as well as submit an application (received) for the required Ohio EPA permit to implement these improvements;
begin seeking funding to finance improvements to the plant and sewer system;

* evaluate staffing requirements at the plant;

* hire a qualified wastewater treatment plant operator;

* conduct daily inspections of the treatment plant and discharge point; and

* complete the physical improvements within one year of initiation.

Equal portions of the penalty will be used to benefit the Ohio Environmental Education Fund and administer water pollution control programs.