Cascades Hit with Heavy Fine For Environmental Violations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Cascades Containerboard Packaging in Niagara Falls has been fined $375,000 by the New York State (NYS) Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for repeated emission of odors and air pollution violations. This is further to the notice of violation issued by authorities on June 4^th. The malfunctioning reactors at the site were alleged of releasing awful odors into the community.

According to DEC findings, the facility violated the state’s air and water quality laws and regulations. This includes emission of odors to the surrounding neighbourhood and operation of unpermitted air pollution emission sources within the facility.

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Apart from the hefty civil penalty, the company has been ordered to upgrade its equipment to protect the air and water quality in the region. Cascades is required to establish a 24x7 odor complaint hotline and submit bi-weekly progress reports outlining corrective actions to the DEC. It is required to monitor hydrogen sulphide emission levels at the property line and take necessary corrective action whenever it exceeds state thresholds.

Also, the public is allowed to directly submit their comments or complaints to the DEC. The failure to comply with the terms of the Consent Order will attract additional penalties, said Basil Seggos, DEC Commissioner.

The proposed plant improvements will cost the company approximately $2 million.