Scranton Sewer Authority For Clean Water Act Settlement

(PHILADELPHIA - September 30, 2009) The U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a complaint asking a federal court to order the Scranton Sewer Authority to stop discharges of untreated sewage into the Lackawanna River.

The complaint alleges numerous illegal discharges of untreated sewage, discharging more than a billion gallons of untreated sewage in 2008, threatening human health and water quality, and violating the federal Clean Water Act.

Untreated sewage contains viruses and protozoa as well as other parasites. People coming in contact with these organisms can suffer adverse health effects ranging from minor ailments such as sore throats, stomach cramps and diarrhea, to life-threatening illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, infectious hepatitis and severe gastroenteritis. Children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are more at risk of illness.

For additional information, contact:

Sushila Nanda
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Civil Enforcement
1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW Mail Code 2243A
Washington, DC 20460
202-564-4088
nanda.sushila@epa.gov