The Central Valley Water Board issued a $24,750 fine to the Oaks Community Association in Ione for violations of its waste discharge requirements.

The Oaks Community Association failed to properly report or clean up a spill of approximately 125,000 gallons of raw sewage, which took place last December. The spill occurred following failure of a lift station pump after a power outage. The pump did not re-start after power was restored. Raw sewage entered a broad drainage swale and a wetland-like area. However, there was no apparent direct discharge to the nearest surface water, Jackson Creek.

The Oaks Community Association was required to report the spill to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board as soon as it was discovered, but the spill was not reported for five days, which delayed the water board's oversight of the cleanup.

The failure to maintain its pumps in good working order allowed the spill to happen, the board added.

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board is a state agency responsible for preservation and enhancement of quality in water resources. The board may consider the complaint at its regular public board meeting on June 11 or 12.