ORIENT, OH — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the Sunset Mobile Home Park for exceeding federal health advisory limits for manganese in its drinking water system, raising public health concerns for residents of the park located at 10117 US Route 62 in Pickaway County.
In a formal letter dated May 13, 2025, the Ohio EPA informed property owner James Hayes that Sunset’s public water system (PWS ID: OH6502412) violated multiple state drinking water regulations under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 6109.
Key Findings from the Ohio EPA:
- The park exceeded the Health Advisory Level (HAL) for manganese, which is 0.3 milligrams per liter, during one week in April 2025, as confirmed by the system’s May monthly report.
- The secondary standard for manganese (0.05 mg/L) was also exceeded, violating OAC 3745-82-02.
- The system failed to properly operate its permanganate treatment feed as required by state-approved plans dating back to 2010, violating OAC 3745-83-01.
Health Risks and State Response
The EPA labeled the situation a “significant deficiency,” indicating that the system’s failure poses a potential route for contaminants to enter the drinking water supply and cause “an unacceptable risk to health.” While manganese is a nutrient in small doses, high levels in drinking water have been linked to neurological and behavioral effects, particularly in children, and potential reproductive issues in adults.
The Ohio EPA emphasized that manganese contamination is especially concerning for vulnerable populations, including infants and children, whose developing nervous systems are more sensitive to heavy metals.
Required Action and Consequences
The Sunset Mobile Home Park must submit a written response to the EPA within 30 days outlining a plan and schedule to correct the deficiency and properly treat the water to remove manganese. Failure to comply may result in civil or administrative penalties under Ohio law.
The Ohio EPA’s letter warns that providing a response does not exempt the property owner from future enforcement actions, including possible fines.
Residents concerned about the quality of their drinking water are encouraged to reach out to park management and the Ohio EPA for more information. The environmental specialist handling the case, Mathias Wagner, can be contacted at [email protected] or (614) 644-2765.
