The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Cascades Auburn Fiber pulp mill in Auburn $65,000 for what the federal agency describes as lax stormwater and spill-prevention policies.
The EPA discovered the alleged violations of the Clean Water Act during a routine inspection of the Auburn facility in October 2012. Jeff Kopf, an attorney with the EPA’s New England regional office, said Cascades Auburn Fiber had not implemented “best management practices” to minimize the potential impact of stormwater runoff on local waterways. Also, Kopf said, the inspection revealed that the company was not adequately monitoring and sampling as required by the permit.
Kopf said the mill worked cooperatively with the EPA to correct the problems and the company agreed to pay the $65,000 fine, a medium-sized penalty for an industrial facility in New England.
“They have come into compliance and addressed the deficiencies,” Kopf said.
Cascades Auburn Fiber, which is owned by Quebec-based Cascades, produces recycled or “de-inked” pulp for use in tissues and other products. A representative for the company could not be reached for comment Monday.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
