Wood treating facility fined $1 million for water quality and waste violations in Oregon

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a $1.05 million civil penalty to Stella-Jones Corp. for multiple violations at its wood treating facility in Sheridan, Oregon. The enforcement action cites 23 violations related to water quality, hazardous waste management and spill response.

Most of the fine, about $877,000, reflects the economic benefit the company gained by not complying with regulations. DEQ previously issued corrective orders and notices of violation in recent years.

The order requires Stella-Jones to revise its operations plan, increase water quality monitoring and reporting, upgrade stormwater treatment systems, and improve procedures to prevent overflows.

In addition to the DEQ penalty, Stella-Jones recently settled a state criminal case by pleading guilty to 10 misdemeanor counts of unlawful water pollution and reached a $98,000 settlement with the U.S. EPA.