Iowa Producer Agrees to Pay EPA Penalty

An Iowa City, Iowa, producer has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $33,500 to settle alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified the alleged violations when it conducted an inspection at the company’s quarry in April 2019.

As alleged by EPA, River Products Co. Inc. violated the terms of its Clean Water Act permit when it failed to develop a pollution prevention plan; failed to install and maintain controls to prevent the runoff of stormwater-containing pollutants from the facility; and failed to monitor the runoff of stormwater from the facility. Stormwater from the quarry discharges into Muddy Creek and the Iowa River.

As part of the settlement, the company also updated its pollution prevention plan and certified to EPA that it would comply with its permit and take steps to eliminate discharges to Muddy Creek and the Iowa River.

The Clean Water Act seeks to protect the nation’s water resources, EPA stated. Pollutants in stormwater can violate water quality standards, pose risks to human health, threaten aquatic life and its habitat, and impair the use and enjoyment of waterways. 

Under the Act, industrial facilities are prohibited from discharging pollutants into water bodies, unless in compliance with a permit issued by EPA or an authorized state. River Products Company Inc. was issued a Clean Water Act permit in 2017 by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

River Products Co. Inc. produces, markets and supplies aggregates from five quarries, two sand and gravel operations, and three stone yards. The company and its affiliates currently employ 275 full-time people in Johnson, Linn, Washington, Scott, and Louisa counties.

The company states on its website that it is committed to providing the highest quality products and services in a courteous and safe manner. “We place top priority on clearly understanding each customer’s requirements and expectations. We are committed to sustained growth, while concentrating on long term profitability. We recognize that our employees, agents, independent contractors and suppliers are partners in our business; their success is vital to ours. We believe it is our responsibility to support and participate in the communities we serve,” the company said.

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