EPA Puts the Bite on Polluting Milk Producer
Idaho Milk Products processes tens of millions of pounds of milk annually at its facility in Jerome, ID.
According to the EPA, the facility used several hundred thousand pounds of nitric acid as a cleaning agent in 2009. When treated, nitric acid produces nitrate compounds, which the company released to the local wastewater treatment plant. Idaho Milk Products is required under the Toxics Release Inventory to report toxic chemical releases. According to EPA, the company failed to report the treatment and disposal of nitric acid and nitrate compounds in 2009.
Nitric acid can harm the eyes, skin, respiratory system and teeth.
The company has submitted the required reports to EPA and the State of Idaho to resolve the violations and agreed to pay a penalty of $52,100.
