According to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) enforcement investigation in July 2023, the agency discovered Alliance Building Corporation had construction stormwater violations at Sleepy Eye Apartments for failure to prevent liquid washout of waste and failure to identify corrective actions.
An MPCA staff inspection in summer 2023 confirmed other violations including:
- Failing to document the estimated quantities of soil erosion prevention and sediment control best management practices for the project.
- Failing to document surface waters, existing wetlands, and stormwater ponds receiving stormwater during or after construction.
In addition to paying the $14,475 civil penalty, Alliance Building Corporation has completed a series of corrective actions including:
- Amending the stormwater pollution prevention plan to include the estimated quantities of all erosion prevention and sediment control best management practices for the project.
- Performing maintenance activities to repair, replace, or enhance soil stabilization best management practices throughout the site.
- Cleaning up and properly disposing of washout waste residue and providing maintenance to the washout containment area.
- Recording accurate findings and specific locations where corrective actions are needed in the inspection reports.
MPCA rules and regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment by limiting pollution emissions and discharges from facilities. When companies do not fully comply with regulatory requirements, the resulting pollution can be harmful to people and the environment.
When calculating penalties, the MPCA considers how seriously the violations affected or could have affected the environment, and whether they were first-time or repeat violations. The agency also attempts to recover the economic benefit the company gained by failing to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner.
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