Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 14, 1994 TAG: 9404140326
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The state Water Control Board contends that APG's stormwater collection pond became clogged with debris during a heavy thunderstorm Aug. 23, allowing water contaminated by lime dust to overflow into Big Stony Creek.
About 200 dead fish were found in the stream the next day.
Big Stony Creek is a popular location for swimming and fishing, but the location of the incident was downstream from the section most commonly used for recreation.
APG has agreed to pay the fine and spend $1.4 million on structural upgrades designed to reduce airborne pollutants and contaiminated runoff from its plant.
However, APG disagrees that it was responsible for the dead fish, said plant manager Ron Bonnema.
The company compromised with the state to avoid additional litigation, Bonnema said, adding: "We want to get it behind us."
The agreement regarding the matter won't be final until April 30, when a 30-day public comment period ends.
Citizens from Giles County or elsewhere who want to review the document can contact the state Department of Environmental Quality regional office at 3015 Peters Creek Road, P.O. Box 7017 Roanoke, VA, 24019.
Copies of the order are available by mail or in person, the state says.
by CNB