An Eastern Oregon potato processing plant, Lamb Weston’s Hermiston facility, has recently come to an agreement with state regulators regarding repeated wastewater violations. These violations have contributed to excess groundwater pollution in an already contaminated region, exacerbating concerns over environmental and public health.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued Lamb Weston’s Hermiston facility a “pre-enforcement notice” nearly two years ago, highlighting 75 violations of its permit. These violations resulted in approximately 189 tons of excess nitrates being added to nearby farmland between 2016 and 2020. In a subsequent investigation, the agency found that the facility had violated its wastewater permit 90 times from 2015 through 2021, leading to the dumping of more than 220 tons of excess nitrates into nearby farmland.
Following negotiations, DEQ reached a settlement with Lamb Weston on February 14th. As part of the agreement, Lamb Weston will undertake measures to evaluate and reduce the amount of wastewater applied to nearby farmland. This includes conducting soil sampling and additional well monitoring. Additionally, the company will pay a fine of $143,400, with the option to direct 80% of the penalty towards a “Supplemental Environmental Project” benefiting the local community and environment.
Lamb Weston’s Hermiston facility, a major producer of french fries shipping globally, holds a water quality permit allowing it to utilize nitrogen-rich wastewater for irrigation and fertilization of crops on neighboring farms. The company emphasizes its cooperation with DEQ to ensure compliance with permits, highlighting improvements to its water treatment facility aimed at reducing nitrogen content in process water.
The issue of nitrates from local food processors contributing to groundwater contamination has long plagued Morrow and Umatilla counties. State and local efforts spanning over three decades have focused on mitigating nitrate pollution and providing clean drinking water to affected residents. However, domestic well testing has revealed nitrate levels exceeding federal standards by more than seven times.
High levels of nitrates in drinking water pose significant health risks, including respiratory infections, thyroid dysfunction, and various cancers. In response, DEQ is working on renewing wastewater permits for entities in the region, aiming to prohibit winter application of wastewater to mitigate further contamination.
This settlement comes on the heels of a $2.4 million agreement between DEQ and the Port of Morrow over similar wastewater violations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to environmental protection and public health. As DEQ works on Lamb Weston’s permit renewal, public input will be sought to address ongoing concerns and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
While challenges persist due to resource constraints, DEQ remains dedicated to monitoring groundwater quality and addressing environmental issues effectively. Lamb Weston has proposed a supplemental environmental project, which DEQ is currently reviewing, signaling ongoing efforts to rectify environmental impacts and safeguard community well-being.
