Oregon Agency Issues Fine to Asphalt Plant

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has fined K.F. Jacobsen & Co., $9,721 for permit violations documented at its Portland facility last year.

The violations included exceeding the particulate matter process weight emission limits in its general Air Contaminant Discharge Permit, and discharging fugitive emissions from secondary sources at the facility.
For exceeding the permit’s 40 pounds-per-hour particulate matter emission limit, DEQ assessed a $6,721 penalty. For discharging particulate matter emissions from the facility’s pug mill, hot elevator and dryer, DEQ issued a $2,100 penalty.

The fine follows an emission test the DEQ ran at Jacobsen’s facility last August. During the test, the DEQ observed frequent, significant fugitive dust emissions from numerous leaks throughout the plant. DEQ recorded similar observations during a 2007 emissions test of the facility.

Due to the facility’s repeated emissions problems, DEQ has ordered the company to apply for and obtain a standard, individual Air Contaminant Discharge Permit, which can address specific conditions for plant operation, unlike the plant’s existing general permit.

K.F. Jacobsen & Co. has until Aug. 31 to appeal the penalty. If it does not appeal, the full penalty amount will be due.