DEQ Fines Tillamook Creamery $56,532 For Wastewater Violations

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined the Tillamook County Creamery Association $56,532 for wastewater violations at its dairy products processing facility at 4185 Highway 101 North in Tillamook.

DEQ issued the penalty because the association exceeded its wastewater discharge permit limitations for biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and bacteria, specifically E. coli. Its facility discharges wastewater to a large, privately owned wetland which subsequently flows through a small creek in the golf course and then into the Wilson River.

DEQ also cited the association for violating water quality criteria for turbidity and unsettled solids which have created deposits and slimy vegetation in the discharge area. In 2010 and 2012, DEQ warned the association of the visible deposits. The penalty includes more than $38,000 in economic benefits the association gained for not improving treatment sooner despite warnings.

Failing to comply with a wastewater permit diminishes water quality and creates potential harm to aquatic life and human health.

When determining the amount of the penalty, DEQ considered the company’s efforts to prevent future violations by taking steps to upgrade its wastewater treatment system. The creamery association has begun extensive treatment system improvements, including installing new aeration pumps.

The Tillamook County Creamery Association has until June 10 to pay or appeal the penalty.