DEP Settles Multiple Violations with Parx Casino Racetrack

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday reached an agreement with operations that will resolve violations related to their horse racing operation and casino in Bensalem.

“Parx has accepted responsibility for its environmental violations with a payment of $389,800 and a binding agreement to complete projects that will prevent future pollution incidents,” said DEP Southeast Regional Director Joseph A. Feola.

According to a release, the violations resolved by this agreement began in 2001 with operating the racetrack without a required Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations’ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (CAFO–NPDES) permit. Various agricultural operations, including facilities with 500 or more horses on-site, must be permitted as a CAFO and are required to manage wastewater and runoff.

Beginning in July 2008, the racetrack’s operation was deemed responsible for numerous discharges of manure-laden water into surface water, which polluted an unnamed tributary to the Neshaminy Creek. The owners of the racetrack and casino complex also filled wetlands, violated DEP orders and failed to comply with various environmental regulations.

The agreement executed today requires Parx to invest in infrastructure that will protect the environment and includes building 37 barns with permanent connections to a public sewer, constructing a covered manure storage building and managing water used for washing horses. Parx’s compliance with the agreement is further ensured by the possibility of additional penalties, including a $100,000 civil penalty, should it not build the manure storage building by Oct. 3.

Along with the agreement, DEP today issued a CAFO–NPDES permit to Parx Casino and Racing. Together, permit conditions and terms of the agreement will direct the owners and operators of the facility in maintaining compliance.