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Department of Ecology News Release - October 25, 2007
07-322
SPOKANE - Two Rivers Terminal LLC has been fined $10,000 for building two chemical plants on Glade Road in Pasco without the proper permits. An air quality permit from the Department of Ecology (Ecology) would have required air pollution-control equipment that would have reduced toxic air pollution emissions.
Two Rivers Terminal did not get the required air-quality permits from Ecology before building and operating the chemical plants. Ecology learned of the plants' existence in early 2007. Ecology and Department of Agriculture officials inspected Two Rivers Terminal on March 5, 2007.
"This is a serious violation because toxic air pollutants have been released at higher amounts than is allowed by state law," said Karen Wood who manages Ecology's Eastern Washington air quality program. "The laws exist so that air pollution is minimized to a level that is safe for people to breathe."
Both plants release acid mist and other toxic air pollutants. No air pollution control equipment has been installed on either of the plants, which manufacture magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) and calcium nitrate.
Acid mist is corrosive and when inhaled can cause breathing difficulties and lead to pneumonia and pulmonary edema. Other symptoms may include coughing, choking, and irritation of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract.
In addition to the financial penalty, Two Rivers Terminal must apply to Ecology for an air quality permit, which would likely require the installation of air-pollution-control equipment. Additional enforcement actions will be considered if the company fails to pursue the air quality permit in a timely manner.
Two Rivers Terminal may apply to Ecology for a penalty reduction or appeal the penalty to the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.
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Media Contact: Jani Gilbert, communications manager, 509-329-3495; cell 509-990-9177; e-mail, jagi461@ecy.wa.gov
For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/airhome.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
