Simplot Settlement Pt 1

Simplot Settlement Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I'm Bob Larson. J.R. Simplot and the Department of Ecology have been going back and forth over the past few years to correct what the DOE says are air pollution violations at one of the company's feedlot in Walla Walla County ...

BEELER ... "In 2015, the Washington Department of Ecology fined Simplot, at their Wallula feedlot facility, for failing to manage air pollution, in particular, it was dust and dried manure was becoming a problem. Those fine particles were getting into the air, which can cause health problems."

The DOE's Brook Beeler says Simplot appealed the $50,000 fine levied by the DOE ...

BEELER ... "And, a few months into that process we began settlement negotiations and conversations about how to appropriately manage dust and move forward with really getting the facility back into compliance and protecting air quality because that's our goal, with the state of Washington, is to protect the air for people and the environment and, I believe, that Simplot had the same goal in this case."

Beeler says Simplot has been cooperative and since then it's been business as usual on both sides ...

BEELER ... "I think we've had some pretty regular inspections with the feedlot. They've also done some permit renewals in recent years, so it's something we've been working with the company on."

Beeler says, bottom line, Simplot wasn't living up to the conditions of their permit to operate the feedlot between Walla Walla and the Tri Cities.

Listen tomorrow for more on the settlement and the concessions made by Simplot.

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