Illinois EPA begins proceedings against Water Treatment Plant Superintendent

SPRINGFIELD - After admitting in court that he submitted falsified water sample results to the Illinois EPA for the Princeton Public Water Supply, the Agency began proceedings to revoke the Illinois Water Supply Operator's Certificate for Michael Scott.  The Certificate provides the holder the responsibility for ensuring that the public water supply is safe, through distribution operations, inspections and sampling protocols. 

 

After the court decision, the Illinois EPA began an administrative sanction proceeding against Scott, the Illinois Water Treatment Plant Superintendent at the Princeton Public Water Supply.  On May 5, 2008, Scott requested a hearing to contest the Illinois EPA's allegations; the agency has granted the request. 

 

The hearing will be conducted by a designated hearing officer.  Afterward, the transcript of the hearing will be presented to the five-member, Illinois Water Supply Operators' Advisory Board for their recommendation to the Director of the Illinois EPA, who will determine if revocation is appropriate.  In addition to making recommendations on water supply operator sanction proceedings, the advisory group assists in the formulation and review of policies and program changes developed under the state's Public Water Supply Operations Act. The Board makes recommendations on program enhancements and provides the Illinois EPA with technical advice and assistance as requested.

 

The Illinois EPA seeks to revoke Scott's Certificate of Competency to act as a Water Supply Operator within the State of Illinois.  Scott is alleged to have previously submitted falsified reports to the Illinois EPA related to his duties as a certified Water Supply Operator. 

 

The Illinois EPA believes the misconduct placed the water supply operations for the City of Princeton, and potentially the consumers, at risk.  The matter is set for a prehearing conference on May 28 at 10 a.m. at Illinois EPA headquarters in Springfield.