Federal environmental officials have their eye on Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, after finding rats and a frog in water treatment processes at the military base.

The water source for 55,000 marines and their families is safe, according to reports, but federal investigations indicate there is a problem.

The San Diego Union Tribune reported that inspectors found rats rotting on a reservoir gate, a rotting frog on a reservoir ladder and another dead rodent in treated water.

Source: CBS Sacramento

Water Plant Employee Shoots His Own Leg to Fabricate Sniper Story

Police believe a former water and sewer employee who allegedly fired gunshots at the Washington County (Maryland) Water Treatment Facility shot himself in the leg to support a false story about being fired on.

The employee, Bradley M. Dick, was charged with making a false statement to police and malicious destruction of property less than $1,000, according to court documents.

While investigating the property, detectives found three bullet impacts. After a forensic analysis, it was determined the shots couldn’t have come from where Dick claimed they originated.

They also found Dick owned a .22-caliber revolver that matched bullet fragments at the scene.

Source: Herald-Mail Media

Electrical Fire Shuts Down Kentucky WWTP

A recent fire at the Ashland (Kentucky) Wastewater Treatment Plant shut the facility down for hours during the night.

An electrical arc in a switch-gear panel between a generator and transformer caused the fire, according to City Engineer Ryan Eastwood.

“We lost the ability to continue to process the sewer and the waste,” City Manager Michael Graese told The Daily Independent.

After working throughout the night, city employees were able to resume partial operation.

Source: The Daily Independent

Alabama Revises E. Coli Standards

Alabama recently revised its standards for E. coli, which means wastewater treatment facilities in the state will soon face tighter restrictions.

The Alabama Environmental Management Commission approved the new standards, which will go into effect for all new or renewed permits. Existing five-year permits will be valid until expiration.

Source: WTVY