HomeMy WebLinkAbout121422 FW_ Ecology issues penalty to Port Townsend Paper Corporation
________________________________
From: Doenges, Rich (ECY)
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 10:14:20 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Kate Dean; Heidi Eisenhour; gbrothertone@co.jefferson.wa.us
Cc: Apple Martine
Subject: Ecology issues penalty to Port Townsend Paper Corporation
________________________________
ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
________________________________
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to let you know that the Washington Department of Ecology is fining the Port Townsend Paper Corporation pulp and paper mill $56,250 for air pollution. On July 6, 2022, emissions
from a piece of equipment at the mill called a recovery furnace exceeded a particulate matter limit. This particulate matter limit is in place to limit emissions of metals which are
hazardous air pollutants. Port Townsend Paper Corporation identified and corrected an issue with their emission control equipment that reduces the amount of particulate matter released
by the recovery furnace on July 7, 2022. Emission measured on August 25, 2022 were below the limit.
Releasing pollution above the limits in Port Townsend Paper Corporation’s air quality permit violates the law and impacts the environment. Hazardous air pollutants can endanger public
health. Sensitive groups like children, adults over 65, and people with respiratory issues are particularly vulnerable to these types of pollutants. Ecology recognizes the importance
of overall compliance with permits to ensure continued protection of human health and the environment.
The news release can be found at this link: https://ecology.wa.gov <https://ecology.wa.gov> /About-us/Who-we-are/News/2022/Dec-14-Port-Townsend-Paper-penalty
If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, please reach out to Emily Toffol at emily.toffol@ecy.wa.gov or 360-790-8363 or me at the contact info below.
Regards,
Rich Doenges
Rich Doenges (he/him)* Region Director, Southwest Region Office
*office: 360.407.6307 *cell: 360.789.9500 * rich.doenges@ecy.wa.gov <mailto:rich.doenges@ecy.wa.gov>
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY * P.O. BOX 47775 * OLYMPIA, WA 98504-7775