Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, has accused a dairy farm in Tuscola County of illegally discharging waste into state waters.
The complaint, filed against Zimba Dairy incorporated, alleges the company failed to obtain a required wastewater permit and neglected proper waste management practices, damaging nearby wetlands and streams.
Zimba faces additional allegations of illegal discharges, including the pollution of North Branch White Creek, which has resulted in the death of numerous fish including sportfish and host fish for endangered mussel species.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has documented multiple violations of state water quality standards resulting from Zimba’s discharges near its production area.
Zimba reportedly installed culverts and deposited fill material in over 1,000 linear feet of wetlands and almost 200 linear feet of an inland stream without obtaining the necessary permits.
The complaint seeks civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, the cessation of ongoing pollution, and an order for Zimba to obtain the required permits.
In a written statement, Attorney General Nessel said her department is committed to protecting Michigan’s water and wildlife, stating that livestock operations must adhere to water quality standards.
