Simplot in Wallula fined $24,000 by state

A beef cattle feeding operation at Wallula has been fined $24,000 for releasing particle pollution into the air, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Simplot Feeders violated air quality rules while grinding hay in March 2014, which released large amounts of dust into the air, according to the state.

Inspectors from the Department of Ecology observed particle pollution above limits allowed in the company’s air quality permit for the feedlot and outside the property boundary, according to the state. The Department of Ecology also received complaints about dust from the facility’s operation.

Simplot’s permit requires the dust to be controlled by an air filter and remain within the feedlot property boundary.

Simplot had recently upgraded equipment but underestimated the dust that the new hay grinding would release into the air, according to the state.

The Department of Ecology is working with Simplot to correctly estimate hay grinding emissions and update the permit.

Simplot will be required to make modifications that may include installing additional pollution control equipment to meet air quality rules.

Simplot Feeders may appeal the fine to the state’s Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.

This story was originally published July 23, 2014 at 1:57 PM with the headline "Simplot in Wallula fined $24,000 by state."