The EPA has fined a Greenville, N.H., food company $190,000 for Clean Water Act violations that caused substantial harm to a brook over many years.
According to the consent decree, Pilgrim Foods discharged wastewater into a stream that is a tributary of the Souhegan River. The discharges were acidic and contained other pollutants, causing significant environmental damage to the brook.
Specific violations named in the settlement include:
- Failure to apply for a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge stormwater from a tank farm at the facility.
- Discharging stormwater and process wastewater without a permit.
- Discharging oil into a stream.
- Failure to have a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan for its oil storage facilities.
Pilgrim Foods, which is owned by Old Dutch Mustard Company Inc. of New York, agreed to pay $190,000 plus interest. In addition, the company has agreed to:
- Come into compliance with federal environmental laws
- Undertake an audit of its environmental compliance
- Develop and implement a comprehensive environmental management system to make sure it continues to follow environmental regulations.
More penalties were stipulated if Pilgrim violates the terms of the settlement.
Pilgrim Foods makes vinegar, mustard and apple juice. As part of its business, Pilgrim stores liquid in aboveground tanks, loads and unloads raw and processed materials and fuels, washes and maintains vehicles.
These activities resulted in leaking, spilling and discharges of low pH liquids, an oil spill and discharge of liquids related to maintaining vehicles.
Source: Capitol Reports
