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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Alcoa fined for metal discharge

Wenatchee World

MALAGA, Wash. – The state Department of Ecology fined Alcoa’s Wenatchee Works in Malaga $6,000 in August for releasing more aluminum into the Columbia River one day last spring than is allowed in its wastewater permit.

The fine has been paid, according to the Ecology Department’s notice of penalties issued in July, August and September.

According to the department’s penalty notice to Alcoa, the company’s wastewater permit allows an average monthly limit of 15 pounds of aluminum per day, and a maximum daily limit of 46 pounds. On May 8, the company notified the agency that it discharged 73.6 pounds.

Alcoa submitted a written report detailing the cause and actions taken to prevent another discharge above limits, the notice says. That report identified improper storage and inadequate housekeeping were contributing factors. Ecology agreed with the company’s investigation.

The Wenatchee Works last exceeded its discharge permit for both aluminum and fluoride on May 3, 2012, and was fined $8,000.