JAMESTOWN, N.D. (AP) – The federal Environmental Protection

Agency has fined Jamestown $2,080 for improper handling of chlorine at the city’s water treatment plant.

City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf says the fine initially was $5,000 but the EPA reduced it.

 Schwartzkopf says the infractions uncovered in a spring audit dealt mostly with administrative procedures, and that no chemicals spilled.

Meanwhile, Jamestown’s water treatment plant needs to come into compliance with the North Dakota Department of Health regulations.

Water is accumulating in the holding ponds located south of the water plant.

City Engine Reed Schwartzkopf told a City Council Committee that it’s estimated those ponds will overflow around Christmas if a solution is not found.

The water contains a high concentration of the lime used in treatment, and it would require processing before it could be discharged into a river.

The Jamestown City Council approved $15,000 for engineering work to begin planning these solutions.

Engineers’ plans are anticipated within two weeks. At that time, any construction required could be contracted with an expedited work schedule.