An environmental group has accused CHS Cooperative of violating the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants at a grain elevator in Washington State.
According to the Capital Press, the Spokane Riverkeeper nonprofit has filed a federal complaint against the Minnesota-based CHS cooperative, alleging its facility in Rockford, WA, has released stormwater containing excessive levels of copper, zinc and turbidity into a nearby creek.
Tom Ryan, global director of corporate communications for CHS, said the cooperative is aware of the complaint and is reviewing its allegations.
In addition to operating a grain and bean elevator, the Rockford facility also sells fertilizers and pesticides at the 10-acre site, which has a stormwater collection and conveyance system covered by a Clean Water Act permit, according to the lawsuit.
The facility hasn’t complied with water quality standards or properly implemented best management practices, a pollution prevention plan or corrective actions as required under the permit, the complaint said. The plaintiff also accuses the facility of repeatedly not collecting or analyzing water samples.
Read the full report here.
