GLASTONBURY, CT—The illegal levels of zinc, lead, and copper that Connecticut Galvanizing Corporation has been discharging into Connecticut’s Salmon Brook has long been a concern to Joe Damon. “The brook flows through my back yard,” he notes, “and the effect of these toxic pollutants on local wildlife is an affront to the natural beauty of the area.”
Now, following two long days of negotiations in June, NELC attorneys are close to reaching a settlement agreement with Connecticut Galvanizing that would bring an end to these unlawful discharges.
NELC attorney Kevin Budris filed suit against the company in January on behalf of Environment Connecticut and Toxics Action Center, alleging more than two thousand violations of the Clean Water Act.
Since that time, NELC attorneys have worked with a wastewater engineering expert and consulted with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop a set of technological upgrades and improved operating practices that the company must implement to address its stormwater pollution violations.
These pollution control measures would significantly reduce the presence of zinc, lead, copper, and other pollutants in the
company’s stormwater discharges, and they have been the primary focus of the settlement negotiations.
While pursuing settlement, NELC has continued to push ahead with its lawsuit to ensure that, whether through settlement or courtroom trial, the company is brought into compliance with the Clean Water Act.
If a favorable settlement agreement is reached, a consent decree will be entered in federal court that will mandate the installation of pollution control measures and impose a civil penalty against the company for its violations.
