As first reported by the Associated Press, the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against an Idaho city over illegal waste dumping into waterways that feed into several rivers throughout the area.
The lawsuit was filed by the DOJ In Idaho's U.S. District Court on Monday. According to the lawsuit, the city of Driggs is in violation of the Clean Water Act because it improperly disposed of sewage and contaminated water waste.
The DOJ contends that over the past seven years, the city dumped toxic waste into Woods Creek over 2,600 times. From the creek, the toxic waste fed into other waterways including the Teton River, Henry’s Fork, Snake and Columbia Rivers, and eventually the Pacific Ocean.
After receiving the federal lawsuit, the city sent out a positive message which emphasized the opportunity to work with the EPA and other city officials. Driggs Mayor August Christensen shared through a statement, “Although it seems scary to be sued by the Department of Justice, it’s actually an opportunity to receive support and resources.”
The city's attorney also shared a statement explaining that the lawsuit was a “procedural step” and that the suit would eventually turn into a settlement with the federal government.
According to the DOJ, the toxic waste came from the city’s water treatment facility that processed sanitary and sewage waste. As a result of the improper disposal of waste, high levels of toxins including E. coli and ammonia were released into the waterways. In elevated levels, these contaminants can cause intestinal issues and brain damage when introduced to humans.
The allegations brought forward by the DOJ are not the first of their kind against the city. For years, the city has failed to comply with federal environmental standards. In an attempt to remedy these violations, the company agreed to upgrade its treatment facility plant in 2018. This agreement which was made between the city and the Environmental Protection Agency never happened.
The city’s current plant was built in 2013 and cost the city $10 million. Despite being a newer facility, it has failed to maintain federal standards. As a result, the DOJ moved forward with a federal lawsuit.
If found guilty of all the violations it is accused of, the city of Driggs could face up to $160 million in fines. As part of the lawsuit, the DOJ is asking the courts to require the city to comply with federal standards including the Clean Water Act.
