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EPA AND ARMY SETTLE DRINKING WATER CASE AT REDSTONE ARSENAL IN ALABAMA

Release Date: 01/05/1999
Contact Information: Hagan Thompson, EPA Press and Media Relations, 404-562-8321

In the first penalty case against a federal facility under the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1966, the U.S. Army Redstone Support Activity in Huntsville, AL has agreed to pay a cash penalty of $80,000 and spend $807,000 on supplemental environmental projects.

In a 1997 investigation, EPA found violations involving surface water treatment, public notification, and total coliform levels. Redstone failed to properly operate and maintain storage tanks and reservoirs; failed to maintain a water main flushing program; and did not maintain a disinfectant residual in the distribution system to meet maximum contaminant levels of total coliforms.

Supplemental environmental projects developed as part of the settlement, include the addition of a state-of-the-art computer chlorine monitoring system to enhance water quality by allowing the facility to measure chlorine residual continuously. Also, operating software for a water treatment plant will be upgraded, new hydrants for the facility's flushing system will be installed and construction projects will be completed which address water stagnation in supply lines.