DEP to fine W. Pa. authority over drinking alert
GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — The state Department of Environmental Protection plans to fine a western Pennsylvania water authority for not being specific enough when it issued a drinking water alert affecting 120,000 residents last month.
The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County issued the boil-water advisory for residents along the Kiskiminetas River for four days after it learned a faulty filter might have dangerous algae to contaminate its water. The advisory was lifted after two tests deemed the water was safe.
DEP spokesman John Poister says the authority failed to specify the contaminants and possible health risks. Poister says it would have been sufficient had the authority warned residents that the algae could have caused cramps or diarrhea.
Resource Development and Management Inc., which manages the authority, says the fine could be up to $5,000.