Amid concern over the compound GenX, another industrial operation in the Fayetteville area is in the spotlight for discharging pollutants into the Cape Fear River.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that it is leveling a $75,500 penalty against Cargill Inc., which operates a soybean and peanut processing plant in Fayetteville. The amount is a settlement for violations of the Clean Water Act related to discharging stormwater associated with industrial activity into Lock’s Creek, a tributary of the Cape Fear River.
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The EPA alleges Cargill committed more than 30 violations, including record keeping, sampling data, spill reporting and inspection requirements.
The plant operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, permit renewed in December 2012, and set to expire Oct. 31. The permit requires an up-to-date stormwater pollution prevention plan describing stormwater outfalls and other conditions at the plant and monitoring of stormwater discharges.
A 30-day public comment period on the settlement agreement began Aug. 21.
