WV Fines Wood Recycler

West Virginia state environmental officials have ordered a Berkeley Springs wood products recycling center to correct deficiencies and pay a $2,900 penalty. 

Last year, Gaithersburg Recycling Center, LLC was cited for emitting at least five times the legal amount of wood dust and operating without a required permit. Water sprays were not being used to control fugitive dust emissions, the main cause for the violation. The company was assessed $7500. 

A citizen complaint led to the inspection of the facility and subsequent violations.

"Gaithersburg Recycling Center, LLC, after receiving their first violation, demonstrated that water sprays could properly minimize dust emissions," said John Benedict, director of the state’s Division of Air Quality. "The company petitioned state officials to continue to operate while their air permit was being processed. If the written procedures had been followed, Gaithersburg Recycling would be in compliance today."

Gaithersburg Recycling Center officials are ordered to pay the penalty assessment of $2,900 within 30 days of receipt of the violation. The company is also required to respond within 15 days on how they will correct the deficiencies.  Based on this response, further penalties may be assessed.

Gaithersburg Recycling Center, LLC, operates the wood mulching and bagging facility on a site formerly known as Compton Trucking Company.