NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. — A Hancock County manufacturing facility has agreed to pay a $1.9 million civil penalty after violating the federal Clean Water Act.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the agreement Friday with Messer LLC, which operates an industrial gas products plant in New Cumberland.
Messer has agreed to pay the penalty, eliminate current permit violations and prevent future violations. The plant discharges into the Ohio River.
According to the EPA, Messer will build a new treatment system at the plant and step up its stormwater discharge inspection efforts in compliance with federal and state regulations.
The plant exceeded permit limits for copper, aluminum, residual chlorine, phenolics and iron. an EPA news release said.
“The protection of our nation’s natural resources and public health is the primary goal of EPA’s enforcement efforts,” EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz said. “The obligations of today’s settlement will better ensure that the waters of West Virginia and the health of communities that rely on them are a top priority.”
The $1.9 million civil penalty will be divided equally between the federal and state governments.