Kraft Heinz accused of “repeated non-compliance” dating back nearly two decades
KCJJ Staff
02/24/19
A Muscatine manufacturing plant has been accused of “repeated non-compliance” with its air quality permit.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources last week fined Kraft Heinz $4000 and ordered it to bring its plant on Isett Avenue into compliance or face stiffer penalties in the future. It alleges Kraft Heinz repeatedly missed reporting deadlines, provided incomplete air quality permit reports when it did submit them, and failed to meet deadlines for making previous fine payments.
In the order, the DNR says Kraft Heinz has shown “a lack of appreciation for the gravity of the facility’s non-compliance” with the state’s air quality rules.
According to the DNR, the issues date back to 2001. That’s when the company allegedly first missed a semi-annual reporting deadline. It is accused of again being late with its reports throughout 2004, 2005, and 2006, with issues again arising in 2016, when Kraft Heinz was late with its reports, in paying fees, and in paying fines.
The DNR claims it has sent the company numerous Notice of Violation letters, the latest last October. But Kraft Heinz was reportedly late with its report in January.
In the order, Kraft Heinz states it has no record of receipt of any of the notices. The DNR has since provided the company multiple examples of certified letters with signed delivery receipts.
The DNR warns the company in the latest order that any future non-compliance may result in revocation of its air quality permit. As part of this consent order – which is a mediated agreement between the two sides – Kraft Heinz has agreed to forfeit its appeal rights.