Delaware Farm Receives Violation for Damaged Pipeline, Wastewater Spill

Delaware environmental officials have issued a notice of violation to Mountaire Farms in Millsboro after a contractor damaged a pipeline and treated wastewater spilled into Swan Creek.

The notice from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control states a contractor was digging a ditch for a new pipeline in April as part of construction of a new wastewater treatment system when the pipe broke, The News Journal reports. The treated effluent filled up the excavated area and got into the new, unfinished pipeline that discharges into Swan Creek. An estimated 15,000 gallons of effluent flowed into the creek for about 10 minutes before the source was shut off.

The notice of violation issued last month charges Mountaire with unauthorized discharge to surface water. Minimal cleanup was needed since the release involved treated wastewater, according to the notice. Mountaire must provide documentation of repairs, but no fines were levied.