DEQ Fines Coastal Fish Processor, May 13

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Trident Seafoods Corporation $14,309 for failing to monitor its wastewater effluent, a requirement of the wastewater discharge permits it holds for its fish meal and surimi facilities in Newport. Trident Seafoods has permits to operate industrial wastewater collection, treatment, control and disposal systems and to discharge treated wastewater at both facilities. The fish meal facility is at 1310 Yaquina Bay Boulevard and the surimi facility is at 623 Yaquina Bay Boulevard. Without monitoring data, DEQ and the public are unable to determine the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment systems and whether the facilities are meeting their permit limits. The company has until May 24 to appeal the penalty.