DEQ penalizes Pendleton Grain Growers $16,737 for operating a grain elevator without an air quality permit
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a $16,737 penalty to Pendleton Grain Growers, Inc. for operating a grain elevator at 31005 Launch Lane in Umtailla without an Air Contaminant Discharge Permit.
Grain elevators used for intermediate storage containing storage of 10,000 tons or more and that are located in population centers of more than 4,000 people are required to obtain the air quality permit. Pendleton Grain Growers did not obtain this permit despite Umatilla's population surpassing 4,000 residents no later than the year 2000.
DEQ issued the penalty because grain elevators emit dust that can decrease visibility and cause respiratory problems. The air permit ensures dust is kept to minimal levels.
A vast majority of the penalty is the economic benefit the company obtained by not applying for the permit and paying annual permit fees.
The company reported the error to DEQ and has since applied for the permit. Pendleton Grain Growers has until September 29, 2016 to appeal the penalty. To view the notice of civil penalty click https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/091416GrainGr.pdf
Contacts
Jenny Root, Environmental Law Specialist, Portland, 503-229-5874, root.jenny@deq.state.or.us
Tom Hack, Air Quality Specialist, Pendleton, 541-278-4626, hack.tom@deq.state.or.us