Norsk Hydro Facility Faces Penalty for Multiple Air Quality Permit Violations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Dalles, Oregon aluminium recycling facility operated by Hydro Extrusion USA LLC- a part of Norway-headquartered Norsk Hydro was fined by authorities for multiple air quality permit violations. The company was imposed a fine of $1.3 million by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The DEQ press release states that it is the largest air quality fine ever issued by the department. The hefty fine is to ensure that the plant will operate in full compliance with environmental laws in future.

According to Kieran O’Donnell, Compliance and Enforcement Manager, Oregon DEQ, all industrial facilities are required to adhere to the rules, which are in place to protect environment and people’s health. The inspections carried out by department officials clearly suggested that Hydro Extrusion operated with blatant disregard for rules and conditions pertaining to air quality permits.

The recycling facility’s air quality permit allows it to process only clean charge materials that are free of oil and grease, paintings or other coatings. However, the facility was found processing unclean, uncoated aluminium scrap. The facility was cited for failing to conduct required scrap tracking and monitoring. Further, it also failed to keep required records.

The DEQ may recalculate the economic benefit portion of the penalty, upon installation of necessary control equipment. Hydro Extrusion USA has 20 days from the date of receipt of the penalty notice, to appeal the alleged violations.

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