An inspector is recommending enforcement action against a western Maryland paper mill after a chemical spill tainted the Potomac River earlier this fall.
The inspector's report says that Tennessee-based Verso Corp. violated environmental regulations by failing to prevent the spill of about 9,500 gallons of synthetic latex on Sept. 23.
The spill went through a wastewater treatment plant before reaching the Potomac's North Branch. It discolored the river and prompted at least two downstream West Virginia communities to temporarily close the intakes of their drinking water treatment plants.
Verso didn't immediately respond Monday to a request for comment on the report, which was signed Friday by Maryland Department of the Environment inspector Charles Hatfield.
Environmental regulators haven't yet decided whether to take enforcement action. The company could be fined up to $10,000.
