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Department of Ecology News Release - December 17, 2002
02-230
OLYMPIA - The state has rescinded a $10,000 penalty given to the Weyerhaeuser pulp mill at Cosmopolis for releasing a cloud of toxic chlorine dioxide gas last July.
The penalty was reversed, in part, because the mill has spent a significant amount of money to prevent a similar release in the future, according to Carol Kraege of the Department of Ecology (Ecology). In addition, the mill had a very good response, she said.
Kraege said Ecology typically issues a maximum penalty when a release threatens public health by direct exposure to toxic chemicals.
"It's unusual for us to reverse a significant penalty, but after reconsidering all the facts, including the amount of money the mill has spent on prevention, we felt it made sense," said Kraege. "The company has made the investments that we would have sought through the penalty appeal process, so there's no need to spend more time and money on additional legal action."
Ecology's decision followed the company's application for relief from the penalty.
On July 11, the mill was evacuated and several nearby roads were closed when a toxic cloud of chlorine gas escaped from the mill. An investigation revealed the emission was caused by an operational error.
Contact: Sandy Howard, public information manager, 360-407-6239
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
