U.S. sues Gulfstream Park

Track accused of discharging pollutants

HALLANDALE BEACH Gulfstream Park illegally discharged pollutants into a canal that flows to the Intracoastal Waterway for at least four starting in 2011, according to a lawsuit filed this week by theU.S. Attorney’s Office.

Thehorse racing track could face fines of $37,500 a day per violation — or more than $50 million — for violating the federal Clean Water Act, said the lawsuit filedWednesday by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

Gulfstream Park spokesman David Joseph referred questions to the track’s attorney, Michael Fucheck. He was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

According to the lawsuit, officials with the Environmental Protection Agency notified Gulfstream on Oct. 23, 2014 that horse wash water being discharged to a 24-acre drainage pond, and ultimately the nearby canal, was not authorized.

Gulfstream, which houses up to 1,100 horses year-round, was issued a notice of civil vioyears lation on Feb. 26, 2015.

The 243-acre property, located at 901 S. Federal Highway, includes a horse racing track, outdoor shopping village, a detention pond, stables, dorms and a clubhouse.

Hallandale Beach officials were not aware of the lawsuit.

“It does concern me,” City Commissioner Anthony Sanders said. “Itwouldconcernanyone when you hear water pol-