Asphalt Company Fined $80,000 for Discharging Smoke from Fire

An asphalt production facility had above ground storage tanks, which contain liquid asphalt, asphalt emulsions and allied petroleum products, and a large warehouse used to store packaged asphalt products. A large fire occurred in the warehouse that required the evacuation of nearby businesses. The Fire Marshall’s investigation concluded that the most likely cause of the fire was improperly installed and improperly maintained metal halide lights. The company pleaded guilty and was fined $80,000 for permitting the discharge of a contaminant, namely smoke, into the natural environment that caused an adverse effect [McAsphalt Industries Ltd., Govt. News Release, Nov. 16, 2015].