Federal Agency Files Complaint Against SC Town of Timmonsville for Toxic Leaks
The US Department of Justice has filed a complaint, acting on behalf of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The complaint has gone to the US District Court of South Carolina, and was filed against the South Carolina town of Timmonsville for wastewater and drinking water violations related to toxic leaks.
According to the complaint, there were substantial and potential risks to human health posed by raw sewage discharges, and partially-treated wastewater, which were being dumped into the surrounding environment.
In April, residents of Timmonsville told news reporters that water comes out of their faucets discolored, and with a foul smell. They believed it to have something to do with the toxic leaks of sewage.
Timmonsville has violated the Clean Water Act, the South Carolina Pollution Control Act, and the South Carolina Drinking Water Act, for years, according to an EPA official in a press release.
The EPA said that it has issued two orders, since 2005, to Timmonsville officials, demanding that they address the toxic leak and sewage issues that cause serious health and environmental threats. The release stated that the town failed to properly operate its wastewater system.
The latest complaint documents how the wastewater treatment plant has been discharging partially-treated wastewater since September 2012, and the town’s sewer system regularly has toxic leaks and overflows of untreated raw sewage.
South Carolina DHEC has also issued its share of orders – three have been sent to town officials since 2007, ordering them to deal with the toxic leaks and sewage at their wastewater plants.
DHEC and the EPA have discussed with town residents plans to transfer ownership of the wastewater treatment plant to the City of Florence. A special election will be held June 25th to decide the outcome of Timmonsville’s current wastewater treatment owners.
Florence City Council members approved a resolution to take over the town’s wastewater treatment plant in April, help stop the toxic leaks and sewage overflows, and absorb the $6 million debt related to improper water treatment.
Toxic Torts Help Protect Citizens Against Future Toxic Leaks
A toxic tort involves the exposure of individuals, often in large numbers, to harmful chemical or biological substances.
When this exposure results in serious injuries or health problems and you can show that those problems were caused by the negligence or carelessness of others, the law says that those who are injured or suffered the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death are entitled to compensation.
Toxic tort cases can be challenging. There are often multiple parties at fault and any legal claim must consider all avenues of potential liability making it extremely important to select a toxic tort law firm with experience necessary to successfully pursue a claim.
Exposure to toxic leaks and toxic substances can have life long effects. Whether you have been exposed to:
- toxic substances on the job,
- pesticides,
- Exposure to contaminated ground water or air,
- Exposure resulting from accidental spills or improper disposal of toxic waste,
- Household chemicals including disinfectants,
- Industrial chemicals including solvents,
- toxic medical products and devices or
- Exposure to radiation
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Toxic Leak Claims or Toxic Torts
If you or a loved one were exposed to a toxic leak or substance and suffered injury, contact the toxic tort attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. to discuss your situation in more detail and for further information about our practice. We welcome co-counsel opportunities and regularly accept referrals in toxic tort cases from lawyers practicing in other parts of the country. We also offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case safely and with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800
