Attorney General's News Release

April 11, 2008

Illegal installation of septic tanks leads judge to stop sale or development of homes at Dunklin County subdivision

Kennett, Mo. - A Dunklin County judge has ordered the developers of the Williams Landing subdivision north of Kennett to stop advertising, selling or developing homes at the subdivision. Attorney General Jay Nixon brought a lawsuit against Ronnie and Kimberly Williams after they illegally installed septic systems at homes in the 75-lot subdivision rather than connecting the homes to a centralized sewer system, as required by state regulations. The 35-acre subdivision is located at 20464 State Highway EE.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a notice of violation last year to the Williamses after inspections determined that they constructed and sold homes served by septic systems on lots that were approximately one-half acre. In 2007, MDNR representatives had notified the defendants that the lots would have to be served by a centralized sewer system because of the lot sizes. State regulations require a centralized sewage collection and treatment system of housing developments where the lots are less than 40,000 square feet (.92 acres).

In the preliminary injunction, Associate Circuit Judge John Spielman also ordered the Williamses to stop installing on-site wastewater treatment systems, such as septic tanks, on any lot within the subdivision. The judge further ruled that if the defendants fail to comply with the injunction, they must pay a $25 civil penalty for each day they are out of compliance.

Judge Spielman has scheduled a June 16, 2008 trial on Nixon's petition for a preliminary and permanent injunction and civil penalties.

Take the Missouri Environmental Survey

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818