DEQ fines McMenamins $62,553 for stormwater violations at Edgefield in Troutdale
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined McMenamins Inc. $62,553 for discharging wastewater without a permit from a distillery, winery and brewery at its Edgefield property in Troutdale to nearby creeks that drain to the Columbia River.
DEQ issued this penalty because the wastewater discharge from this facility at 2126 S.W. Halsey in Troutdale could impact water quality in ways that could harm fish and other aquatic organisms.
In August 2016, DEQ conducted an inspection in response to a complaint and was able to verify that the facility was discharging wastes from the brewery and winery into the catch basins. DEQ discovered spent grains, yeast, hops and fruit residue in catch basins and a surface drain which drain directly into an unnamed creek, where those residues were discharged or had the potential to discharge to the creek. Additionally, stormwater generated at the facility is directed to catch basins that flow to Arata Creek.
Wastewater discharges from wineries and breweries are typically high in sugar, alcohol and solids, which can change the biological and chemical properties of waters of state by decreasing pH and increasing total suspended solids. High suspended solids concentrations can block light from reaching submerged vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and dissolved oxygen. Suspended solids also decrease water clarity, which can affect the ability of fish to see and catch food. Suspended sediment also can clog fish gills, reduce growth rates, decrease resistance to disease, and prevent egg and larval development. When suspended solids settle to the bottom of a water body, they can smother the eggs of fish and aquatic insects, as well as suffocate newly hatched insect larvae.
Of the civil penalty, $40,339 represents the economic benefit the company gained by failing to apply for coverage under the stormwater general permit and to develop a stormwater pollution control plan. If the company completes these requirements, DEQ will consider recalculating the costs as delayed rather than avoided and will reduce the civil penalty accordingly.
When determining the penalty amount, DEQ considered McMenamins' work to ensure that future discharges to the creeks do not occur from its distillery, brewery and winery processes by making changes in its operating procedures.
McMenamins has appealed the penalty.
View the enforcement letter: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/112216mcmennaminsE.pdf
Contact:
Susan Elworth, Environmental Law Specialist, Portland, 503-229-5152