Domtar A.W. Resolves Clean Air Act Violations with $1.5M Civil Penalty

The Justice Department has resolved alleged Clean Air Act and Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act violations with Domtar A.W., a manufacturer of pulps, paper and wood products.

Under the proposed consent decree, Domtar will pay a $1.5 million civil penalty, divided between the United States and the state of Arkansas.

In addition, the company will implement projects to address excess emissions from its operations and correct its inadequate inspection and monitoring practices.

The projects include installing the proper pollution controls on Domtar’s brown stock washer, updating leak detection and repair procedures to ensure compliance with the regulations, increasing the frequency of monitoring for leaks, and conducting performance testing on the boilers.

The estimated cost to complete the required injunctive relief and bring operations into compliance is at least $2.6 million.

This settlement resolves Domtar’s failure to follow federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from its brown stock washer.

The complaint also alleges that Domtar did not follow mandatory inspection and monitoring requirements.

Under the settlement, Domtar is taking the necessary steps to ensure that its systems control pollutants from the brown stock washer. The settlement also requires a third-party to review and revise the leak detection and repair plan to ensure Domtar’s compliance with environmental regulations. These actions will significantly reduce harmful emissions from the company’s operations.

Domtar is also undertaking two emission reduction projects to mitigate the environmental and public health harm attributable to its violations.

Source: DOJ