IlluMyFi

Environmental regulators have fined an automotive parts manufacturer in Botetourt County $227,790 for violating state air pollution standards. Dynax America Corp. agreed to pay the civil charge and fix identified problems with its scrubbers, devices that remove contaminants from emissions before they are released from the plant's smokestacks. Inspections by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality found that Dynax operated without a renewed air permit for 55 days in 2019. Later tests showed excessive releases of hydrochloric acid on several occasions through 2022. Hydrochloric acid, a colorless gas with a pungent odor, is used in a variety of industries. It is listed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous air pollutant, meaning that it can cause serious health problems or adverse environmental impacts. Estimated emissions were as high as .48 pounds per hour - nearly twice the limit of .25 pounds per hour allowed by the plant's state permit, according to a consent order recently posted to DEQ's website. The highest reported 12-month total was 127 tons; the permit called for no more than 54.8 tons per year. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | Omny Studio "DEQ has not been made aware of any adverse impacts to the local community as a result of these permit violations," spokeswoman Julia Raimondi wrote in an email. "DEQ air permit emission limits are calculated based on very conservative assumptions to ensure the protection of human health and the environment." It was at least the second time in the past five years that Dynax was cited for excessive releases of hydrochloric acid. In 2019, DEQ imposed a fine of $168,204 and ordered the company to take corrective action. The most recent enforcement action details several steps to be taken over the next two years, including enhanced testing, monthly progress reports, an evaluation of the production line and its scrubbers, and replacement of the equipment by October 2025. "Dynax has continuously worked towards achieving compliance through process changes, equipment replacement and upgrades, adding an additional scrubber, and hiring outside consultants to assist in finding a solution," the consent order states. A call to a company official who signed the document was not returned Wednesday. Although both Dynax and DEQ agreed to the findings and penalty outlined in the consent order, public comments will be accepted through Jan. 28 before final action is taken. Dynax is located in the EastPark Commerce Center near Bonsack. The Japan-based company manufactures friction-based parts for use in automobiles, which mainly consist of clutch discs, blades and synchronizer rings. The company was Botetourt County's third largest employer in 2023, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. Laurence Hammack (540) 981-3239 laurence.hammack@roanoke.com Tags Industry Law The Economy Job Market Ecology Chemistry Trade Politics Mechanics Manufacturing The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Laurence Hammack Author email Follow Laurence Hammack Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

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Bearish/Bullish

12.01.24 09:51

by roanoke.com

Medication-assisted drug treatment center approved on Williamson Road

Zoning authorities cleared a national operator of drug treatment centers to open its second Roanoke location with a full suite of medications available to treat substance use disorders including addiction to opioids, which are involved in a high number of fatal overdoses locally. The Roanoke Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday authorized Acadia Healthcare Co. to open a mental health and substance abuse treatment clinic at 1529 Williamson Road. Some area residents express concern to board members it would not be a good fit for the neighborhood. But the measure passed 5-1, with one board member out. Member Sue Agresta voted no without explanation, while board member Andrew Raduly voted yes and personally thanked Acadia representatives. "I commend your effort for what you're trying to do for the city because it's a tremendously big need in our city," Raduly said. He added that he wished the services could be offered in southeast Roanoke. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | Omny Studio In 2022, Roanoke posted the state's third highest rate of fatal drug overdoses per 100,000 people. Petersburg led the state, followed by Richmond, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Coroners recorded 123 deaths in the city last year as fatal drug overdoses; of the total, 106 died after ingesting opioids. Typically deemed accidents, the death figures also included suicides and homicides if any occurred. Acadia operates 151 outpatient centers and a variety of inpatient and specialized treatment center and describes itself as the nation's leading publicly traded provider of behavioral health care. The company earned $280 million on revenue of $2.6 billion in 2022, according to a report to regulators. It is based in Franklin, Tenn. It operates two area facilities, the Roanoke Comprehensive Treatment Center at 3208 Hershberger Road, an outpatient facility, and Mount Regis Center in Salem, an inpatient center. Acadia needs a second center in Roanoke because its Hershberger center, to which the city granted a business license in 2003, has 950 active patients and is at capacity, said Brett Lechleitner, a regional vice president at Acadia. "We have completely exhausted the facility at this point and we want to add a secondary facility," he said. Acadia offers voluntary outpatient treatment involving medication-assisted care, therapy and support services at the Hershberger center and will offer the same on Williamson Road, he said. The Williamson address was chosen because Acadia found an available building located in the general vicinity of where 200 of the Hershberger center's clients live, he said. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration asserts that "a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat substance use disorders," according to its website. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, the drugs Acadia clients can receive, treat disorders involving the ingestion of "heroin, morphine, an...