Dannon to Pay $71,350 Penalty for Spills
In a settlement with Ohio EPA announced on Oct. 9, Dannon Co. agreed
to submit a spill response plan, install an automated control system on
its wastewater treatment plant, improve operating records and pay a
$71,350 penalty for violating water quality laws at the company's
Minster facility.
Ten spills or other illegal discharges have been documented from the
yogurt processing plant since March 2004. In addition, an April 2007
inspection found the company had failed to implement and maintain
stormwater controls around a soil stockpile to prevent sediment runoff
from its construction site.
The agreement with Ohio EPA requires the company to install an
automated control system for its on-site wastewater pre-treatment plant
to measure dissolved oxygen levels and three pH meters to monitor the
wastewater's acidity. Both will have automated alarms and a phone
system that will trigger during pre-determined conditions. The company
also will install an automated pump shutoff that will cut off the flow
of wastewater to Minster's sewer system when the automated alarms are
activated.
Within 90 days, Dannon is required to submit a spill response plan
to Ohio EPA that includes actions to be taken in the event of a spill
or slug load and include a regularly scheduled training program for
plant personnel who may be involved in a spill on the spill response
procedures.
The agreement requires Dannon to keep records of daily inspections
of the facility's wastewater treatment system and staff the treatment
system with a certified operator and properly trained employees. The
company also will report to Ohio EPA the daily volume of wastewater and
sludge disposed from the wastewater treatment system.