Dec 3, 2015Simplot, EPA and DOJ reach emission reduction agreement
EPA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have reached a settlement with J.R. Simplot that resolves alleged Clean Air Act violations related to modifications made at Simplot’s five sulfuric acid plants near Lathrop, California, Pocatello, Idaho and Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Simplot has agreed to spend an estimated $42 million to install, upgrade and operate pollution controls that will cut sulfur dioxide emissions at all five plants, fund a wood-stove replacement project in the area surrounding the Lathrop plant and pay a $899,000 civil penalty.
Simplot communications manager, Ken Dey said that Simplot denied the EPA and DOJ allegations but rather than proceed with litigation Simplot decided to pay the settlement and agree to reduce emissions.
We had obtained all the required air quality permits and approvals from the states and local air quality agencies for these modifications,” Dey said. “It was after the fact that the EPA then alleged we needed different permits and emission controls at the three different locations and five plants.”
Dey said that some of the permits were approved more than 20 years ago.
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