Attorney General Charity Clark today filed an enforcement action against Long Falls Paperboard on behalf of the Agency of Natural Resources. The case concerns multiple violations of Vermont’s environmental laws at the Long Falls plant in Brattleboro. The complaint alleges that violations occurred at the plant over the past several years, including:
- discharges of plastic and other contaminants into the Connecticut River;
- failure to maintain adequate staffing and operation of the plant’s wastewater treatment facility;
- failure to properly store and label hazardous materials; and
- failure to properly dispose of tons of contaminated sludge stockpiled outside the plant.
The Attorney General’s enforcement action seeks civil penalties and a court order requiring Long Falls Paperboard to take corrective actions as approved by the Agency of Natural Resources to bring the plant into compliance with the law.
“Clean water and a healthy environment are so important to quality of life in Vermont. Enforcement of our environmental laws helps protect these resources,” said Attorney General Clark. “Enforcement also helps ensure fairness to the many businesses that comply with the law. Vermont deserves environmental protection and a level playing field for businesses.”
“Protecting Vermont's natural resources is our top priority,” said Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore. “It’s imperative that we hold entities accountable for compliance with environmental laws and this enforcement action is a necessary step to protect our rivers and communities from harmful pollution.”
The Attorney General’s complaint was filed today in Windham Superior Court, Civil Division. A copy is available here.
CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, 802-828-3171