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WA feedlot fined $50,000 for air quality violations

December 21, 2015, Spokane, WA – A beef cattle feeding operation in Walla Walla County has been fined $50,000 for failing to manage air pollution.

The Washington Department of Ecology found that the facility allowed small particles into the air, including dust and dried manure.

According to the department, the feedlot violated air quality rules that require management of dust and other pollution. The feedlot’s monitoring data shows more than 50 days between April and September 2015 that staff observed excess dust onsite or leaving the property. The operators didn’t apply practices outlined in their dust control plan designed to prevent small-particle pollution.

Ecology inspectors observed broken sprinklers and poor water application intended to control pollution from cattle pens and roadways. Inspectors also noted excess dust being released from the feed prep area.

The company received a formal notice from the department in July for failing to manage air pollution in the feed prep area, cattle pens and roadways. Since the notice, some improvements have been made to reduce dust, specifically in the feed prep area.

The operation may appeal the fine to the state’s Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.