State fines REC for emissions

MOSES LAKE — REC Silicon is paying the state $14,000 after a routine testing on a smokestack showed the company exceeded permitted emission limits.

As part of its Department of Ecology (DOE) air quality permit, the company tests emissions on its smokestack and in August 2009 a test showed REC was releasing more than the permitted level of silicon dioxide through a process scrubber on Plant 3.

The chemical itself is not dangerous, but particulate matter of any kind can affect people’s lungs, DOE Spokeswoman Jani Gilbert said.

“By the terms of their permit, (REC) does occasional stack testing,” she said. “Their permit asks for it every few months … Now they’re going to be doing it more frequently.”

The company tested the stack again in January, and found improvements, but it was still releasing the chemical above the permitted level, Gilbert said.

“They’re on it. They’re fixing it. We have seen improvements, but they’re still not fully in compliance,” she said. “The public is not in danger. We’re tweaking it at this point.”

The fines are determined by various criteria including whether the company knew about the law and how willing they are to change. The penalty can range as high as $10,000 a day, but given the criteria, DOE didn’t feel the penalty needed to be that high, Gilbert said.

“We’re overseeing this really closely,” she said. “If there were close neighbors and if it was a high amount (of chemical being released) we would involve the health department and take steps to evacuate the area and that’s not the case.”

Kent Stephens, REC’s vice president of operations, stated the company is making every possible effort to be proactive in addressing potential issues to prevent similar incidents.

“The safety of our employees, contractors, partners, customers, members of the public and the environment are key concerns for REC Silicon and compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements is a top priority,” he stated.