The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has entered a consent order with cannabis company Trulieve requiring it to address unpermitted wastewater discharges from its cultivation facility in Jefferson County.

The Oct. 2 order follows complaints from nearby residents about runoff from Trulieve’s facility on Capps Highway in Monticello. DEP identified wastewater from the operation as including reverse-osmosis reject water and condensate from dehumidifiers and HVAC equipment. The wastewater is routed to an irrigation sediment basin and applied to designated areas of the property.

According to DEP, wastewater was sprayed onto an outdoor lawn and some of the wastewater moved beyond the facility’s perimeter. The agency determined the discharges occurred without the required permit and violated state environmental requirements.

Under the consent order, Trulieve must submit an interim irrigation plan within 30 days that prevents wastewater from leaving the property and reaching neighboring properties. Potential measures include reducing application rates, alternating irrigation zones and reducing irrigation times.

Trulieve also must apply for a wastewater permit covering the identified discharges within 120 days. The company and DEP anticipate a final permitting decision within 12 months.

The order requires Trulieve to pay an $80,000 penalty within 90 days or propose a DEP-approved environmental enhancement, restoration or facility-improvement project valued at at least $120,000. Trulieve has indicated it plans to pursue the environmental improvement option.

The consent order does not establish that Trulieve contaminated neighboring drinking water or waterways with unsafe pollutant levels. Previous testing reportedly found no contamination associated with the facility.

DEP will have access to the facility to monitor compliance. Violations of the consent order could result in civil penalties of up to $15,000 per day for each violation.