EPA reaches agreement with Barron County, Wis., waste-to-energy facility

Release date: 01/14/2009

Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 09-OPA004

CHICAGO (Jan. 14, 2009) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with the Barron County Waste-to-Energy Facility, 575 10 1/2 Ave., Almena, Wis., for alleged Clean Air Act violations.

The agreement, which includes a $17,500 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that the Barron County facility failed to comply with the mercury emission limit specified in its state operating permit and federal requirements for small municipal waste combustors.

Exposure to mercury can permanently damage the brain and kidneys. Adults exposed to metallic mercury vapor may develop tremors, memory loss and kidney disease.

Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/. Potential environmental violations may be reported at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints/.