DEP could fine $10,000 for failure to test runoff.

Byline: Jim Esslinger

THOMPSON - The town could face up to $10,000 in penalties for failing to comply with a state requirement to test weather-related wastewater runoff over the last four years.

First Selectman Lawrence Groh and environmental consultant Winston Avril of the Northeast Connecticut Council of Governments met with officials of the Department of Environmental Protection this week to discuss why the town failed to respond to a January 2004 DEP letter asking why the town had not complied with the law. The DEP also sent a letter in October 2006 listing the violations and again received no response, a May 27, 2008, letter from DEP states.

The law, according to Mr. Avril, requires towns falling in a geographical urban area to test the runoff in six areas during periods of dry weather and following "precipitation events of one-half inch or more." Thompson falls under the Worcester geographical area, Mr. Avril said. The state further requires a sample from two sites each in a residential, commercial and industrial zone. The town can choose which areas to test.

These testing requirements are in addition to regular monitoring of drainage areas to ensure no hazardous wastes are being dumped illegally and by making sure catch basins are properly cleaned. The town also conducts annual hazardous waste collection events.

"This was only our first meeting with the DEP," said Mr. Groh, noting there would be others. He said the agency is not likely to impose the penalties and the town is taking steps to comply with the law.

Why the town failed to comply with the law was not made clear during last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting. About 130 of the state's 169 municipalities are required to conduct these tests, said Mr. Avril.

NAME: THOMPSON SELECTMEN