The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) has issued an emergency order regarding the unpermitted installation of 15 aerobic wastewater treatment systems in Payne and Noble County.

The emergency order was issued to Garrison Shann, who reportedly installed 15 unpermitted aerobic wastewater treatment systems, which is a small scale sewage treatment system similar to a septic tank system.

Improperly installed aerobic systems may have serious environmental implications such as raw and partially treated sewage in residential yards and and sewage backing up into homes which could lead to exposure of serious diseases.

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ODEQ staff is conducting an ongoing investigation that spans multiple Oklahoma counties where Shann was operating. The investigation has already led to the revocation of Shann's certificate to install onsite wastewater systems.

Shann was ordered to immediately stop installing systems, to bring the systems outlined in the order into compliance, and to pay a penalty of $31,5000 and past due permitting fees.

ODEQ says the investigation remains ongoing and additional information may late be released.

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