An agreement has been reached between the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Lamb Weston's Hermiston facility, addressing repeated wastewater violations that contributed over 220 tons of excess nitrates to the groundwater in Eastern Oregon. This settlement, finalized on February 14, mandates Lamb Weston to explore methods to minimize wastewater discharge onto adjacent farmland, alongside conducting soil sampling and enhancing well monitoring. Additionally, Lamb Weston is subjected to a $143,400 fine, with the option to allocate 80% towards a Supplemental Environmental Project aimed at benefiting the local community and environment.
Lamb Weston, producing roughly 750 million pounds of French fries annually in Hermiston, operates under a water quality permit that permits the use of nitrogen-rich wastewater for the irrigation and fertilization of nearby crops. In response to the settlement, Lamb Weston spokesperson Shelby Stoolman stated the company's commitment to working collaboratively with DEQ to adhere to permit regulations. DEQ Director Leah Feldon highlighted the agency's efforts to standardize wastewater permits while considering the specific needs and capacities of the entities involved.
Source: opb.org