Portland OR (7/25/2013) – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a $2,400 penalty to Bear Mountain Forest Products Inc., which operates a wood pellet manufacturing plant in Brownsville, for an air pollution permit violation that occurred in late September 2012.

The plant, at 34363 Lake Creek Drive, operates under a Title V operating permit, which allows it to discharge air contaminants within set limits and conditions. On Sept. 27, 2012, during an emission source test of one of the plant?s dryers, test staff documented visible particulate matter emissions higher than the allowable opacity level under the permit.

DEQ issued the penalty because opacity is an indicator of particulate matter emission levels. When emitted in excess, particulate matter can contribute to respiratory distress in individuals. Once inhaled, it can affect the heart and lungs, causing serious health problems such as decreased lung function, irregular heartbeat and chronic bronchitis.

Bear Mountain Forest Products Inc. has until July 29 to pay the penalty or appeal.

Contact: Karen White-Fallon, Air Quality Permit Program, Salem, 503-378-5315