Penalty dispute between Ecology and Energy Northwest resolved

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - September 8, 2009

09-219

RICHLAND – The Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) upheld a penalty issued to Energy Northwest by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) for waste management violations, but reduced the amount to $80,000 following an administrative review.

In October 2007, Ecology issued a $120,000 fine and an Administrative Order to Energy Northwest for failing to properly identify, designate or label containers of hazardous wastes at its Columbia Generating Station.

During six weeks of inspections in July-August 2007, inspectors found unlabeled and improperly stored chemical wastes at the Columbia Generating Station.

Energy Northwest was ordered to properly identify, store, and dispose of the various wastes.

In March, the PCHB upheld the violations outlined in the penalty. But the PCHB did not determine whether the $120,000 penalty assessed for these violations was reasonable. Ecology and Energy Northwest disagreed over the nature and seriousness of the identified violations.

In the final order recently announced, the PCHB recognized Energy Northwest’s prior record and its effective response to the penalty inspection findings, and reduced the amount of the penalty from $120,000 to $80,000. Ecology inspectors conducted a follow-up inspection at Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station and found that the violations have been addressed.

“Energy Northwest has made substantial improvements in managing dangerous wastes and in the training received by all personnel,” said Steve Szendre, compliance inspector for Ecology’s Nuclear Waste Program. “Ecology continues to work with the company to ensure the safety of the public and the environment at the site.”

###

Media Contact:
Nolan Curtis Washington State Department of Ecology, Nuclear Waste Program Office 509-372-7954 (office) ncur461@ecy.wa.gov

For more information: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/nwp/index.html