Walulla Feed Lot Agrees To Pay DOE Fine

A Smiplot Feeders beef cattle lot in Wallula has agreed to pay a Washington Department of Ecology fine as well as invest in a project that reduces small-particle pollution.

In 2015, the DOE fined Simplot $50,000 for failing to manage air pollution, which included dust and dried manure.  DOE said these fine particles can cause health problems for people who are exposed frequently and at high enough levels.

Ecology reduced the amount to be paid to $35,000 as part of the settlement agreement.  Also, Simplot agreed to pay $5,000 of the fine, and use the remainder to fund a project to help improve air quality.  The project includes paving a high-traffic area to significantly reduce dust from vehicles driving in and out of the facility.

The settlement also requires Simplot to update the facility’s dust control plan to strengthen measures that prevent particle pollution. The plan calls for improved staff training, using water to control dust from roadways and cattle pens, and daily monitoring to determine if dust control practices need to be adjusted.

The Pollution Control Hearings Board dismissed Simplot’s appeal of the penalty on April 4th.

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