Recycling Firm Pays Penalty

Gaithersburg Recycling Center, LLC has paid a penalty for air pollution and may apply for a permit for a wood chipper, according to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

The DEP last week received a signed consent order from Gaithersburg Recycling Center and a $7,500 penalty payment, said Jesse Adkins, assistant director of the Office of Air Quality.

The $7,500 penalty was imposed because the company operated wood grinding equipment without a permit from January to May 8 when the grinding unit was shut down. At that time, the company was cited by DEP for air pollution and operating the grinder without a permit.

Neighbors had contacted the Office of Air Quality because of the dust outside the company's plant at the former Compton's Trucking facility, south of Berkeley Springs. Much of the material being ground up was dry pallet wood.

In July, DEP personnel reported witnessing the demonstration of a water spray system, which kept the wood wet while it was being ground, reducing the amount of dust significantly.

Under the consent order, the company may use the grinder as long as the water spray system is used.

The company must also submit a complete permit application for the grinder and a comprehensive operating plan. Morgan (W.V.)  Messenger