Covanta Marion fined $15K for air quality violations

Oregon environmental regulators have fined Covanta Marion $15,722 for violating its air pollution permit.

As reported by the Salem Statesman Journal, the 36-year-old Brooks-based waste incinerator burns a majority of Marion County’s residential and commercial waste, generating electricity to be sold to Portland General Electric.

The state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) penalized Covanta for two violations, including an instance that led to elevated carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. DEQ investigators found that at about 3:45 a.m. May 22, Covanta workers loaded a block of concrete into one of the incinerator’s two combustors, causing a plug that released CO.

Six hours later, Covanta shut down the combustor to remove the plug; however, the emissions exceeded the amount allowed in the company’s air quality permit.

Covanta also failed to report the excess CO emissions to DEQ within 15 days, which is required by its permit, according to the Salem Statesman Journal.

In addition, investigators found that Covanta operated a diesel-powered engine—meant to power pumps in emergencies—for more time than allowed in 2020. Federal rules prohibit the nonemergency operation of the engine in excess of 50 hours per year. DEQ found that Covanta had operated it for 275 hours.

For both violations, the DEQ determined that Covanta’s conduct was negligent.

As reported by the Salem Statesman Journal, DEQ spokeswoman Lauren Wirtis says the state has received payment from Covanta.