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EPA Orders Winchendon to Improve Treatment Plant for Public Health and Environment

Release Date: 10/19/2000
Contact Information: Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1042)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the Town of Winchendon to make plans to improve its wastewater collection system so that eventually it will no longer discharge raw sewage into the Miller's River during rainy weather.

In an administrative order signed this week, EPA New England ordered the town to correct deficiencies in the operation of its existing wastewater treatment facilities found by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in a June 26 inspection. In addition, EPA ordered the town to come up with a long-term plan to upgrade its treatment plant and collection system so that it meets the limits imposed by its federal discharge permit, including preventing illegal raw sewage discharges to the river.

According to the order, the Winchendon system has discharged untreated sewage from unauthorized outfalls into the Millers River on numerous occasions over the past five years. The town has also discharged pollutants from its treatment plant outfall in excess of the limits in its federal permit.

"The town's violations in its sewer system are a problem not only for residents of Winchendon, but for recreational uses by residents in the downstream communities of Templeton and Royalston," said Mindy S. Lubber, Regional Administrator of EPA New England. "This action orders the town to clean up its system for the future protection of the public and the environment."

In April, EPA New England proposed a $5,000 fine against the town of Winchendon for failing to provide information concerning unauthorized raw sewage discharges during wet weather. According to the administrative complaint, town officials did not respond to repeated requests for information requested under the Clean Water Act. The town agreed to pay the penalty and submitted the required information to the agency.