The food products made by Vitasoy USA Inc. in Ayer are said to be organic, natural and healthy, but the pollution from the company’s processing plant was enough to get the company a $12,000 Department of Environmental Protection fine.
According to the DEP, Vitasoy violated the state’s air pollution control, hazardous waste management and industrial wastewater regulations.
DEP found the violations during a July 2006 inspection prompted by odor complaints. DEP and the Ayer board of health inspected the soy processing plant.
According to DEP, Vitasoy failed to comply with its air quality plan, and failed to apply for and receive another required air quality plan approval.
The company also failed to comply with hazardous waste management labeling and signage requirements, and failed to file an updated staffing plan for its wastewater treatment facility.
Vitasoy USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd.
