Del Zotto Products, a Wrenshall, Minnesota, manufacturer, has been fined $75,000 for selling septic tanks from 2013-2021 that may contain weep holes, a violation of Minnesota law. The Del Zotto tanks had weep holes drilled near the bottom of tanks to drain rainwater from the tanks while they are stored to prevent freezing. The holes were sealed before installation, but the septic industry identified that weep holes in septic tanks could not be adequately sealed and last for the entire life of the tank. Minnesota septic tank rules prohibit weep holes in septic tanks.
In addition to paying the fine, Del Zotto Products will offer a warranty to replace tanks bought with weep holes for owners of its 2,500-gallon tanks.
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.