Gulfstream to pay $456,500 for dumping pollutants

HALLANDALE BEACH — Gulfstream Park will pay a civil penalty of $456,500 for discharging pollutants into a drainage canal in violation of the federal Clean Water Act, according to a settlement agreement provided to the Sun Sentinel by an attorney for the track.

Gulfstream, accused by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials of polluting thewater over a fouryear period ending in 2015, could have faced daily fines of $37,500 a day, according to a lawsuit filed this week by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

The agreement won’t be a done deal until approved by a federal judge in the comingweeks.

“We can confirm that the complaint has been filed and that the settlement … will address the violations the complaint alleges,” EPA spokeswoman Dawn Harrissaid by email Friday.

After the court approves the settlement, Gulfstream will be required to pay the civil penalty within 30 days.

Gulfstream plans to build new horse-washing stalls that will reclaim the water rather than discharging it into a nearby canal that leads to the Intracoastal.

“This matter has been successfully and cooperatively resolved,” said P.J. Campo, Gulfstream’s vice president and general manager. “The settlement focuses on Gulfstream’s continuing efforts to improve the environment by re-directing all horse-related wastewater to a treatment system.”

Mayor Joy Cooper says she plays tennis near the canal and has noticed a foul chemical odor for years.

“Weneedtoget this canal cleaned up,” she said Friday. “I’m glad the feds are involved.”

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 violation on Feb. 26, 2015.