South Bend, Washington, U.S.A.-based seafood company South Bend Products has been fined USD 16,000 (EUR 15,000) for violating the conditions of its wastewater discharge permit.
The company, a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Northern Fish Products since 2008, had irregularities in its wastewater reporting that resulted in its records wrongfully stating it adhered to its water-quality permit requirements, according to the Washington Department of Ecology.
The fine is part of a settlement agreement reached between the department and the company, along with the requirement South Bend retrain its employees on record-keeping in relation to wastewater discharge.
“The training will focus on how employees can avoid common mistakes when they fill out discharge monitoring reports,” the agency said in a release.
The company will be allowed to continue discharging wastewater to the Willapa River “within limits and must follow specific requirements,” it said.
The Washington Department of Ecology originally fined the company USD 33,000 (EUR 31,000) but reduced the fine as part of the settlement agreement.
“Protecting this body of water is crucial since the Willapa River contains protected wetlands and is close to open marine water. The area is popular for recreation and is home to various fish and shorebirds,” it said. “Too much wastewater discharge from seafood processing can harm aquatic life and reduce water quality. Maintaining water-quality standards and eliminating pollution is critical to protecting the health of this important ecosystem.”
South Bend Products operates locations in South Bend and Chinook, Washington, and processes Dungeness crab, wild salmon, razor clams, white albacore tuna, and black cod.
