Myrtle Point, OR – Valley Crest Foods, Inc. has been penalized for repeatedly polluting the City of Myrtle Point’s sewer system, ultimately impacting the South Fork of the Coquille River. The Oregon-based dairy processor pled guilty to four counts of violating the Clean Water Act in October 2020, stemming from incidents occurring in 2017 and 2018.
According to court documents and an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Valley Crest’s manufacturing process – converting raw milk into various dairy products – frequently resulted in significant “slug loads” of milk entering the municipal wastewater treatment plant. These discharges occurred when equipment backups and clogs were cleared, releasing hundreds of gallons of dairy waste at a time. Employees reportedly drained and cleaned equipment, dislodging these large obstructions that then flowed directly into the sewer system.
The influx of milk overwhelmed the Myrtle Point Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW), disrupting its ability to effectively treat wastewater. Crucially, the dairy waste interfered with the disinfection process, leading to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria in the treated effluent. This contaminated water was then discharged into the South Fork of the Coquille River, posing a public health risk.
River Contamination & Public Warnings
The bacterial contamination was severe enough on multiple occasions to prompt public service announcements advising residents to avoid contact with the river. These warnings underscore the direct impact of Valley Crest’s negligence on the local community and its recreational use of a vital waterway. The EPA’s investigation revealed a pattern of regular, preventable discharges, indicating a systemic failure to properly manage waste at the facility.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Valley Crest Foods was found to have violated 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(B) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act, specifically regulations pertaining to the discharge of pollutants without a permit and interference with POTW operations. As a result of the guilty plea, the company was ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 per count, totaling $80,000. This penalty serves as a stark warning to other industrial facilities regarding the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and preventing pollution.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Valley Crest Foods, Inc.
- Location: Myrtle Point, Oregon
- Crime: Clean Water Act Violations
- Years of Offense: 2017-2018
- Pollutant: Milk/Dairy Waste
- Impacted Waterway: South Fork of the Coquille River
- Penalty: $80,000 fine ($20,000 per count)
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(B), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)
This case highlights the critical role of effective wastewater management in protecting public health and the environment. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against polluters to ensure compliance with environmental laws and safeguard our nation’s waterways.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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