May 13, 2015
DEP fines Belfast plant after reporter’s inquiry
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has fined Belfast potato-processing company Penobscot McCrum LLC for discharging ammonia into a nearby river.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the company’s $15,090 fine stemmed from an investigation by Republican Journal reporter Jordan Bailey, who tested the Passagassawakeag River’s pH levels near the plant and found unusually high levels. Bailey then made a complaint with the DEP, which ultimately led to the fine.
The DEP’s investigation found small amounts of ammonia leaking from an automatic cooling system into a licensed discharge point. Jay McCrum of Penobscot McCrum told the BDN that he thought the new system was correctly calibrating, calling it a mistake.
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