Seattle firm fined for breaching environmental legislation

Alleged violations of environmental legislation have seen one Seattle company fined $17,000 (£10,000) by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Dyno Nobel is said to have failed to report the release of approximately 448 lbs of ammonia from its Deer Island facility in Oregon in a timely manner.

Edward Kowalski, the director of EPA's Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle, said that the health and safety of local communities depends on prompt release reporting.

"Effective emergency response begins with timely notification, which allows local, state and federal responders to take action and reduce risks to public safety and the environment," he stated.

He added that ammonia can be extremely dangerous, which is why immediately notifying the appropriate agencies is so important.

In related news, the EPA recently issued a complaint and a compliance order against petrochemical company Shell Chemical Yabucoa in Puerto Rico for disregarding the federal Clean Water Act.

Written by Claire Manning