HUGO, Okla. (AP) -- The operator of Hugo's water treatment plant says a proposed $3.17 million fine over drinking water quality violations is excessive and unjustified.
The Oklahoman reports that Severn Trent Environmental Services requested on Tuesday a hearing before an administrative law judge. The company says it also plans to request a settlement conference with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
The agency had leveled the proposed fine against the company last month, citing regulatory violations including inadequate record-keeping and a lack of chlorine at times in water.
Company officials say they conducted an investigation once they learned of the problems and fired a plant manager after discovering he "misreported" chlorine data.
A state environmental quality spokeswoman says officials hadn't seen the company's legal filing and weren't in a position to comment.
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