Refresco cited for multiple violations
By Terry Murry on Monday, August 30th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla Public Works reports the Refresco Beverages Group bottling plant is in violation of the federal wastewater pretreatment program. The facility, which is located at 1164 Dell Avenue, employs about 120 people.
Refresco was cited 18 times in 2019 for being out of compliance with its wastewater discharge; 16 times in 2020, and five times so far this year. These violations have resulted in nearly $393,000 in fines.
The city claims Refresco has been slow in taking action to address the issues. In February 2020, the city conducted a hearing with Refresco officials so they could explain why the company’s discharge permit should not be revoked. Refresco assured the city they were working on a fix and would get their violations under control. In response, the city issued an order requiring Refresco to comply by a certain deadline.
“Refresco’s numerous violations, combined with its failure to correct these violations in a timely manner, cause the city challenges in complying with federal and state discharge requirements,” the city stated. The city’s failure to remain in compliance, due to Refresco’s continued violations, could result in the city being fined, and may trigger otherwise avoidable costs to the city and its residents.”
The city has set a compliance date of June 30, 2022. If Refresco fails to meet this deadline, its permit will be revoked, effectively prohibiting the company’s discharge and ceasing operations.
