The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Western Timber Products, Inc of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho has agreed to pay a $222,400 penalty for Clean Water Act violations.
These violations stem from the discovery that during inspections in May 2019 and January 2021, EPA found the company failed to obtain the required Clean Water Act permits for timber processing facilities it operates in Council and Weiser, Idaho, reported EPA.
As a result, both wastewater and storm water were discharged without a permit in Council, and the Weiser facility discharged storm water without a permit as well.
For instance, in Council, there is a wood treatment process where employees burn the surface of dimensional lumber, which is immediately followed by a water mist over the burnt surface. Wastewater flows into a storm drain inlet and is then discharged into Grossen Creek in the aftermath.
“Preventing excessive pollutants from entering canals, creeks, and rivers ensures healthy ecosystems for humans and aquatic life,” said Ed Kowalski, director of EPA Region 10’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, reported EPA. “EPA works to protect public health and the environment by limiting pollution in runoff from industrial activities. When companies comply with permits, they’re better equipped to prevent and reduce potential discharge of industrial pollution.”
According to EPA, “wastewater and storm water discharge from timber processing facilities typically contains high pH, wood debris, arsenic, metals, oils, and high levels of solids.” Once the solids settle, sediment deposits impacting plant life and overall water quality occurs.
There are separate EPA orders for the Council and Weiser facilities, which mention that the company has agreed to obtain the required permits for both facilities and practice proper storm water monitoring.
EPA adds that Western Timber Products will also: submit storm water evaluation reports; revise its storm water pollution prevention plans; provide documented annual trainings for its employees; and submit progress reports.
