Elkhart fines three industries $250 each for late industrial wastewater self-monitoring reports

The Board of Works found three local firms in violation of their industrial wastewater discharge permits on July 1 and assessed civil penalties of $250 each after staff determined required self-monitoring reports were late.

Public Works compliance officer Steve Brown reported McDowell Enterprises’ self-monitoring report for permit 85-01 was five days late; McDowell said the delay followed out-of-town travel but asserted no harmful environmental impact occurred. The board voted to assess a $250 penalty under the city’s enforcement response plan.

Similarly, Welch Packaging (permit 2017-02) submitted its report three days late; staff noted lab turnaround times can contribute to delays and said some reports still require wet-ink signatures though the city is moving toward electronic submissions. The board assessed a $250 penalty.

Bimbo Bakeries (permit 2006-03) submitted a report four days late and indicated a new point of contact had confusion over the deadline; the board assessed a $250 penalty there as well.

Board members confirmed the penalties align with the city’s enforcement matrix and response plan. In each case there was no public testimony from company representatives during the meeting.