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Holyoke Power Station Faces EPA Fines

A Western Massachusetts coal-fired power station is facing federal fines of more than $177,000 for allegedly discharging muddy storm water and other pollutants into the Connecticut River.

The Environmental Protection Agency alleges that the Mount Tom Generating Co. LLC in Holyoke violated it's federally issued permit by exceeding permit discharge limits over a five-month period during construction work.

The EPA says rainwater running off construction sites can carry sediments, oil and other pollutants which can contaminate streams, ponds and rivers, possibly contributing to fish die-offs, toxic algae blooms, contaminated shellfish beds and closed beaches.

Mount Tom owners say they reported the issue when the runoff limits were exceeded and have now sealed the offending storm water outfalls. The firm is now working with federal environmental officials to resolve the issue.

This program aired on November 2, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

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