NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a civil complaint Thursday morning against State Rep. Andy Holt, seeking a fine of up to $177,500.
NewsChannel 5 Investigates obtained the Notice of Proposed Penalty Assessment from the EPA that claims pollution from the Dresden Republican's hog farm violated the Federal Clean Water Act. The letter goes on to say that Holt may request a meeting with the EPA to discuss a settlement.
Reached by phone Thursday morning, Holt told NewsChannel 5 that he "loves a good fight" and called the penalty "pretty stiff."
Holt, who is vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has been critical of the EPA and, in a NewsChannel 5 investigation earlier this year, said the EPA has become "very politicized much like the IRS."
The EPA letter cites cases reported by NewsChannel 5 Investigates including two instances in 2011 when Holt's farm discharged at total of more than 500,000 gallons of waste water contaminated with hog manure into a nearby creek.
The letter cites another incident in 2013 in which Holt's farm reported discharging more than 200,000 gallons of wastewater into a nearby creek.
In a footnote the EPA claims it has "evidence of more than three unauthorized discharge events" but they are outside the five-year statute of limitations.
The letter also states that Holt operated for years without the appropriate permit.
Holt told NewsChannel 5 Investigates that the waste water overflowed from the lagoons after a heavy rainfall and he self-reported the incidents to the state. He also said he attempted to submit the appropriate paperwork to get a permit.
On the phone Thursday, Holt said he had never tried to hide or cover up anything. He said he was in the process of "negotiating what the terms of settlement will be."
To read the EPA complaint against Holt, click here.
