The Justice Department says the city of Holyoke has entered into a proposed consent decree to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act. The action addresses the discharge of pollutants from combined sewer outflows into the Connecticut River. The DOJ says the city has taken steps in recent years to address the discharges, and the decree will continue to move the work forward.
“Fiercely protecting our environment is a civil and human rights issue and ensuring that every community has clean water is a vital part of that work. This consent decree better protects the residents of Holyoke and every single community that lives along and enjoys the Connecticut River,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “We will continue to require with the full force of the federal government that every community is healthy and safe.”
“Today’s settlement will significantly reduce pollution in the Connecticut River and improve water quality for the Holyoke community,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department will continue pursuing environmental justice in communities burdened by pollution in rivers and streams to support the health and safety of all communities.”
Holyoke is also agreeing to pay a 50-thousand-dollar penalty for the previous violations.
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images