Portland Roofing Firm to Pay $1.45 Million for Air Pollution
In 2021, Herbert Malarkey Roofing Co. settled the biggest-ever environmental fine imposed in Oregon.
Environmental authorities in Oregon have settled with a North Portland roofing firm that was fined for air pollution spanning 10 years.
Herbert Malarkey Roofing Co. will pay $1.45 million for air quality violations at its business at 3131 N. Columbia Blvd., according to an announcement by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
The company manufactures shingles and other roofing materials in the Kenton district of Portland.
The fine is a result of air pollution that happened following the 2009 modification of one of the facility's emission units. According to DEQ, company managers failed to notify DEQ of the modification and install the required pollution control equipment.
The corporation self-reported in 2018 that it may have released more formaldehyde into the local community than was previously thought. After testing in 2019, the corporation and DEQ determined that emissions were elevated.
According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to formaldehyde has been related to numerous types of cancer. According to DEQ authorities, it can also induce nausea, irritation of the skin, and a burning feeling in the eyes, nose, and throat.
According to DEQ, the company installed pollution controls in July 2020 that are at least 96 per cent effective.
The final $1.45 million fine was reduced from a $2.1 million fine DEQ issued to the company last fall. Officials lowered the fine after the company demonstrated that it had avoided fewer costs from the violations than previously thought, according to DEQ.
According to DEQ officials, the settlement agreement between the company and DEQ includes efforts to support immediate and long-term environmental compliance.
Malarkey must submit a monitoring plan for pollution controls installed in 2020 for DEQ approval within 45 days. The company must also submit a monthly report to DEQ to confirm the effectiveness of pollution measures.
The company has the option to pay $1.16 million of its fines to DEQ-approved "supplemental environmental initiatives" that would bring air quality benefits to the community. Malarkey must pay the state the remaining $1.16 million if it fails to identify initiatives that meet DEQ requirements.
Kieran O'Donnell, manager of DEQ's Office of Compliance and Enforcement, said:
"Such projects are a critical remedy for the communities harmed by environmental violations. This agreement puts Malarkey on track for compliance and allows the company to engage with the surrounding community to rectify the violations."
Source: Pamplin Media Group
