A northern Minnesota company that dumped an excess amount of untreated sewage into a gravel pit was fined $15,000 and took "corrective action," the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reported last month.

Darlow Excavating, of McGregor, violated federal regulations when it overapplied untreated sewage by more than 80,000 gallons in 2009, 120,000 gallons in 2010 and 160,000 gallons in 2011, according to the MPCA.

The company, which advertises excavation, septic system and pumping services, poured the sewage into a gravel pit it owns west of McGregor, which is about halfway between Brainerd and Duluth.

The violations created the potential to contaminate area groundwater, according to the agency.

JANE FRIEDMANN