FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Holly Ward
Public Information Officer
602-506-6713/desk – 602-526-7307/cell
Fisher Industries issued record violations
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department announced today the issuance of eight Notices of Violations (NOVs) to Fisher Sand and Gravel Co.’s facility at 3826 S. 28th Street in Phoenix. The NOVs detail air quality violations that occurred over a year and a half long period and indentify 1368 separate violations of air pollution laws.
The Air Quality Department permits, inspects, monitors and enforces air pollution sources throughout Maricopa County. The 28th Street Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. facility was issued an air quality permit from the department in January 2007. During the time period of January 2007 to August 2008, the department observed a series of emissions tests at the facility. A comprehensive review of production records and emission test results uncovered 1,368 violations. These violations include: exceeding emission limits; exceeding daily asphalt production limits; failure to provide accurate and complete records; and a records discrepancy for data where different versions of the same production records were produced for this same period. Many of those violations led to increased pollution from the facility. However, Odle noted this company’s noncompliance actions are not representative of similar industry sources throughout the County with proactive and effective air pollution control efforts.
“Our department is focused on reducing the number of days the county exceeds the health-based air quality standards. This includes compliance with air pollution laws that require emission reduction efforts to keep pollution out of the air we breathe,” notes Air Quality Department Director Lawrence Odle. “And the work does not stop here. Our department will continue to monitor the facility including locating a temporary ambient air quality monitor closer to the facility. Our goal is to bring this facility into compliance with our air quality regulations.”
“This is a quality of life issue for the residents and business owners in the area,” states District 5 Maricopa County Board of Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. “Our Air Quality Department will work diligently to enforce environmental justice in our air quality.”
The Air Quality Department will continue to monitor the facility for compliance with its regulations. Residents and business owners are encouraged to contact the department if they detect an air quality problem anywhere within the county either by phone (602) 372-2703 or via the web www.maricopa.gov/aq under the Contact Us, Report a Violation tab.
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.