Berlin Township septage company fined

Fritz Mayer & Caitlin Morris
Posted 9/30/09

The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has fined a Berlin Township company for violating the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Law. The fine came to light at the township …

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Berlin Township septage company fined

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The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has fined a Berlin Township company for violating the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Law. The fine came to light at the township supervisors meeting on June 19.

As the result of an inspection in May, the DEP determined that the Rorre Corporation had failed to dispose of its screenings appropriately or to implement a proper conservation plan. The company paid a $15,000 civil penalty after spilling 1,000 gallons of septage, or partially treated waste, in June 2010.

Rorre has a permit from the DEP to store residential septage and to apply it to land as a fertilizer. The permit required Rorre to keep detailed records of where the septage was being applied; to promptly notify DEP of any spill; and to properly dispose of screenings from the septage, such as plastic and other non-organic trash.

According to a DEP press release, multiple site inspections showed that the company was not in compliance with the requirements of the permit.

DEP site visits in June 2009 and June 2010 revealed that screenings were improperly discarded on the ground and that log sheets lacked sufficient detail concerning where the septage was being applied.

The June 2010 inspection also revealed a 1,000-gallon spill at a loading site. Rorre was issued a notice of violation for failing to take immediate corrective actions and for not notifying DEP. Additional notices of violation were issued for the screenings and log sheets.

Rorre has since made a written commitment to DEP that future screenings will be disposed of properly and that the company will maintain accurate records. Rorre also has pledged to implement measures to prevent future spills at the loading area.

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