CLEARFIELD COUNTY: DEP Fines American Rock Salt

WILLIAMSPORT – The Department of Environmental Protection has fined American Rock Salt Co. LLC of Mt. Morris, N.Y., $2,000 for illegally discharging salt runoff last winter at its distribution facility in Sandy Township, Clearfield County.

“American Rock Salt did not properly implement best management practices to prevent stormwater discharges from its salt storage pile,” said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell. “As a result, salt-contaminated stormwater was discharged to an unnamed tributary to Sandy Lick Creek causing pollution.”

American Rock Salt’s stormwater discharge permit issued by the department requires that the company keep its salt storage piles and distribution stockpile covered to prevent runoff during precipitation.

DEP inspections conducted in January and February revealed that significant portions of the salt pile’s non-working face and nearby salt boulders were uncovered, including about 90 percent of the salt pile in February.

Water samples were collected by department inspectors at the company’s outfall during both inspections. Those results showed the stormwater contained high levels of sodium, chlorides and sulfates.

The fine was paid to the Clean Water Fund that provides funding for cleanups across the state.

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