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Department of Ecology News Release - Oct. 13, 2003
03-201
OLYMPIA - A chemical manufacturer in Kalama has been fined $10,000 by the state for spilling chemicals into a cooling water system that discharges to the Columbia River.
Noveon Kalama Inc. promptly reported the incident to the state Department of Ecology, which issued the penalty.
The company spilled approximately 15 pounds of the toluene, 1.5 pounds of the carcinogen benzene and 1,300 pounds of acetic acid (found in vinegar).
The company's daily discharge limit for toluene is 0.384 pounds. The daily limit for benzene is 0.653 pounds. No limit is set for acetic acid, but high levels of it can reduce oxygen and increase acidity in water.
The event occurred during a 15-hour period in August.
"These chemicals threaten our valuable Columbia River resource," said Kelly Susewind, a manager in Ecology's water quality program. "The spill violates the company's wastewater discharge permit, which is our primary tool to protect water quality."
The company has 15 days to apply for relief from the penalty and 30 days to appeal it to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.
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Media contact: Sandy Howard, public information manager, 360-407-6239
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
