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Department of Ecology News Release - May 09, 2007
07-118
YAKIMA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has issued a penalty in the amount of $22,750 to Alcoa Wenatchee Works for violating air pollution limits at the Malaga aluminum smelter.
The aluminum plant is required to check its air quality protections on a quarterly basis. In May of 2006, during what is called an "emissions source test," particulate matter released from the operation was 28 percent higher than the limits allowed in the plant's air operating permit.
Particulate matter is material suspended in the air, which can include dust, smoke, soot, pollen, and soil particles. The emission violations were calculated for a 91 day period, from April 1 to June 30, 2006, resulting in a $22,750 penalty for the quarter.
Alcoa Wenatchee Works has 30 days to pay the penalty, apply for relief from the penalty with Ecology, or appeal the penalty to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.
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Media contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, public information manager, (509) 575-2610
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
