Penalty Cancelled for Weyerhaeuser Toxic Emission

Washington State has rescinded a $10,000 penalty given to Weyerhaeuser’s pulp mill at Cosmopolis, Wash., for releasing a cloud of toxic chlorine dioxide gas last July.

The penalty was reversed, in part, because the mill has spent a significant amount of money to prevent a similar release in the future, according to Carol Kraege of the Department of Ecology. Additionally, the mill had a very good response, she said.

Kraege said the DOE typically issues a maximum penalty when a release threatens public health by direct exposure to toxic chemicals.

"It's unusual for us to reverse a significant penalty, but after reconsidering all the facts, including the amount of money the mill has spent on prevention, we felt it made sense," said Kraege. "The company has made the investments that we would have sought through the penalty appeal process, so there's no need to spend more time and money on additional legal action."

The DEO’s decision followed the company's application for relief from the penalty.