The City of Hartshorne is pleased to announce the successful completion of essential improvements to the wastewater collection system (WWCS), resulting in the closure of Consent Order Case No. 23-269 with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This achievement marks the end of a multi-year effort to address and eliminate chronic unpermitted discharges from the city’s wastewater system.
In 2014, the Hartshorne Public Works Authority (HPWA) entered into Consent Order 14-140 with DEQ, which outlined necessary upgrades to the wastewater collection system. Over the years, additional amendments and extensions were made to allow HPWA to secure funding and implement these critical improvements. In 2020, funding was successfully obtained, and construction of the necessary upgrades began in August 2022. By November 2023, all improvements were completed.
The city previously reported several unpermitted discharges due to various factors, including heavy rain and a collapsed sewer pipe. However, as of May 2024, the Authority notified DEQ that only one unpermitted discharge had occurred in the previous year, which was due to a collapsed sewer line beyond the Authority’s control. This discharge was immediately addressed and resolved with repairs, and no further issues have been reported.
With the completion of these improvements, HPWA has successfully eliminated chronic unpermitted discharges, meeting the requirements of Consent Order 23-269. The total cost of the improvements was approximately $1,420,000.
“We are proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the Hartshorne Public Works Authority to address these important infrastructure improvements,” said Ashley Faulkner, Mayor of Hartshorne. “These upgrades are a significant step forward in ensuring reliable and environmentally responsible wastewater services for our community, and we appreciate the support of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality throughout this process.”
The closure of Consent Order 23-269 is a key milestone for the City of Hartshorne as we continue to enhance our public infrastructure and safeguard the health and well-being of our residents.
