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Resident alleges misconduct at Mount Clemens wastewater plant; mayor says protocols were followed
Summary
A resident alleged during public comment that he was wrongfully terminated after blowing the whistle and that he has "4 days of video and audio" showing illegal actions at the wastewater treatment plant; Mayor Laura Cropp responded that staff followed protocol and the plant complies with EGLE and state and federal law.
During public comment at the Oct. 20 Mount Clemens City Commission meeting, resident Deshaun O'Neil of 825 Clinton River Drive accused city staff of wrongdoing at the wastewater treatment plant and said he was wrongfully terminated after raising concerns.
"I have 4 days of video and audio of what they did down at the wastewater treatment plant illegally," O'Neil said, alleging that staff "welded up, cap[ed] off the ends, and weld[ed] them" rather than repairing systems and that odors were being masked. He urged a federal investigation and said he had repeatedly asked city leaders to review the evidence.
Mayor Laura Cropp addressed O'Neil's comments later in the meeting, saying the city does not discuss employee matters publicly but added assurances for residents: "I am assured of that, and I know the commission has been assured of that as well." Cropp stated that city staff followed protocol and that the wastewater treatment facility complies with EGLE and applicable state and federal laws.
The commission did not take public action on the allegations during the meeting. City staff earlier provided routine administrative follow-up on unrelated public questions (parking and neighborhood signage) but no new investigation or enforcement action tied to the wastewater allegations was announced at the meeting.
