Malarkey Roofing Co., Oregon, has agreed to pay a hefty $2.1-million for violating air quality rules. This includes emitting large amounts of formaldehyde, incorrectly measuring those emissions in 2018, and failing to notify the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality when they modified their emissions unit in 2009. Malarkey must submit a pollution control plan and report monthly to DEQ, which is a big deal.
Roofing
The fine came after the company incorrectly measured emissions in 2009 and failed to notify DEQ when they changed their emissions unit. The fine is the result of a series of violations over ten years. The company plans to install pollution controls on all projects starting in July 2020.
In November, the Kenton Neighborhood Association and the DEQ plan to discuss the case. They hope to learn more about the levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen, released into the atmosphere.
The DEQ ordered the company to conduct emissions testing. In March 2019, they confirmed that the levels of formaldehyde were higher than they had previously reported.
Environmental Protection
The roofing company recently settled the most significant environmental protection fine in Oregon history. It was fined for ten years of air pollution in its facilities. The company agreed to settle the violation, which involves improper emissions of formaldehyde and other air pollutants. The company plans to use the money to fund supplemental environmental projects that will benefit the Portland area.
Formaldehyde
It was the first time in state history that a company manufacturing supposedly green shingle products has been fined for pollution.
But Malarkey did not pay the fine because it self-reported its higher emissions levels to DEQ, which would have discovered the discrepancy when it applied for a renewal of its air permit.
The company has now been ordered to contribute its fine to supplemental environmental projects, which provide a local community with air quality benefits.
Despite the recent fine, many consumers still have concerns about shingle products' safety, including their formaldehyde emissions. The company has agreed to install pollution controls on its facility.
As the fine is based on the number of roofing products sold in Oregon, the fine may be higher than previously reported. As a result, the company will be required to make significant changes to reduce its emissions and pay the fine.
Penalty
The company has violated Oregon environmental laws for the past decade but recently disclosed that it may have been releasing significant amounts of formaldehyde. This toxic chemical causes burning sensations in the eyes and can cause skin irritation.
It is a suspected carcinogen. While Malarkey has improved its pollution control system, the company is still forced to report its emissions to the DEQ every month.
The company admits that reporting higher emission levels to DEQ was wrong. If it had been, the DEQ would have discovered the discrepancy when it renewed the company's air permit. However, the fine is a record-high, making it one of the highest in the state. Despite the fine, the company has 20 days to appeal the decision.
Appeal
The fine is one of the largest ever levied by the Department of Environmental Quality against a roofing company. The company was found guilty of violating state and local environmental laws. Despite the fine, Malarkey has 20 days to appeal the decision. A letter of appeal will be sent to the company where it did business, along with the Kenton Neighborhood Association.
Lesson Learned
Ultimately this company's actions have hurt their business, the environment, and consumers that wanted to buy from them. Perhaps this being brought into the limelight will help other businesses become more conscious of their actions.
