Federal judge gives green light to CLF lawsuit
September 26, 2017 (PORTSMOUTH, NH) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today in response to a federal court order allowing CLF’s case against Pease Development Authority (PDA) to go forward. In November 2016, CLF filed a lawsuit against PDA, arguing that Pease International operates a small municipal separate storm sewer system (“small MS4”) yet has never even applied for the required discharge permit. Because of this inaction and the resulting harm to the communities who rely on these waterways, CLF asserts that PDA is in violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
“With today’s ruling, Pease Development Authority has an opportunity to turn from a polluter to a protector of Great Bay and its communities,” said Tom Irwin, Director of CLF New Hampshire. “Our health and the health of our economy depend on clean, safe water. Now, the leaders of PDA have an easy choice to make: they can be an exemplar of responsible water management, or they can see us in court.”
A copy of CLF’s lawsuit can be found here, and a copy of today’s decision is available here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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