UPDATED: State Penalizes Ayer Food Processor
Vitasoy USA of Ayer, a processor of soybeans, will pay a state fine of nearly $11,000 and install a sophisticated industrial wastewater pre-treatment system after complaints were lodged over odors, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
As part of a consent order with the department (MassDEP), Vitasoy agreed to design and install a new system that, along with other process modifications, will lead to compliance with the commonwealth’s air and wastewater regulations, according to a statement from MassDEP.
The statement added that MassDEP and local officials received and verified numerous complaints of odors emanating from Vitasoy’s operations, most often caused by an overloaded industrial wastewater pretreatment system. In addition to the odors, the company discharged industrial wastewater to the Ayer sewage treatment plant in excess of pollutant limitations set by officials at the plant, MassDEP said.
“This company tried many things to attain compliance, but an upgraded pretreatment system is needed,” said Lee Dillard Adams, director of MassDEP’s central regional office in Worcester.
In a statement, Walt Riglian, CEO at Vitasoy, said his company is working with state and Ayer officials to ensure full compliance with air and wastewater regulations, "which will allow our plant to function more efficiently and sustainably.”
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