SGL settles Ecology air quality violations

MOSES LAKE - SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers will be building a new electric vehicle charging station in Moses Lake.

The project is outlined in a recent settlement agreement between the company and the state Department of Ecology over past air quality violations.

SGL violated permit requirements in 2012 and 2013 when equipment failed on two manufacturing lines and an unpermitted bypass vent was used to release uncontrolled emissions into the air, according to an Ecology statement.

However, they were able to negotiate an agreement with the company where SGL would complete an environmental project in lieu of paying outright the fines associated with the violations, agency spokesperson Brook Beeler said.

"We've done this in other cases, rather than taking a monetary penalty the people we're doing a settlement agreement with will say we'd rather reinvest into our community or make an improvement to the environment," Beeler said. "And we wholeheartedly agree with that."

SGL is investing $125,000 in the charging station, according to Ecology. Beeler said the amount is close to the dollar amount SGL would have been fined had they not entered into the settlement agreement.

Ecology Director Maia Bellon said the charging station project will encourage and improve fuel efficient travel, which will benefit air quality for years to come.

"We are looking toward the future," she said in a statement. "We support the direct investment SGL is making for the environment with this fast charging station."

The charging station will be compatible with the state Department of Transportation's network, the West Coast Electric Highway.

The West Coast Electric Highway locates charging stations every 25 to 50 miles along Interstate 5 and other major roadways. The new Moses Lake station will provide another link in the state's development of an east-west charging network.

"As a corporate citizen of Moses Lake we are happy to support the fast charging network along Interstate 90 with a charging station in our city," SGL Vice President of Operations Steve Swanson said in a statement.

Beeler said Ecology sent the finalized agreement to SGL Monday. The company has 90 days to secure a contractor and location for the project, or the $125,000 becomes payable to the state Air Pollution Control Account.

Beeler said the company has not finalized any project details yet.