Portland OR (5/28/2013) – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a $3,600 penalty to Georgia-Pacific Chemicals, LLC for discharging effluent that exceeded the allowable limit for total phenols from the company?s wastewater treatment plant located on 2665 Hwy 99 North in Eugene, Ore. The company operates a resin manufacturing facility at the site and process wastewater is treated before discharge per the company?s permit.

In November 2012 Georgia-Pacific Chemicals sampled for total phenols and reported concentration of 1.5 milligrams per liter. This is three times the allowed concentration limits of 0.5 milligrams per liter. The company sampled again in December and received ?non-detect? results for total phenols.

The permit limits are designed to ensure the company?s wastewater discharge is protective of fish and wildlife. Phenols are toxic and their presence in elevated concentrations in Georgia-Pacific Chemical?s wastewater put the safety of wildlife and aquatic life at risk.

Georgia-Pacific Chemicals, LLC has until June 3 to appeal the penalty.

Contacts: Jeff Bachman, Compliance and Enforcement, Portland, (503) 229-5950; Paul Kennedy, Western Region, Water Quality, Eugene, (541) 687-7439