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CSPA discovers
Syngenta Seeds has been polluting ground and surface water for
over 36 years
September 18, 2008 -- For over 36 years, Syngenta Seeds has been
discharging waste water from their Woodland Processing Facility
into leach fields and Willow Slough.
Syngenta, a
commercial seed and agricultural chemical company, ranks third in the
high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2007 were approximately
$9.2 billion. Syngenta employs over 21,000 people in more than 90
countries.
The approximately 500,000 gallons of water discharged annually
from the Woodland plant contains high salt concentrations as well as
nitrogen, chloride, magnesium and sodium at levels exceeding water
quality objectives. In addition, numerous chemicals, such as Pectinase,
Tsunami and Physan 20, are used at the facility to control microbial
diseases that may be discharged with the wastewater.
In addition to the wastewater discharge reverse osmosis
brine and boiler blowdown are discharged to a septic system permitted by
the Yolo County Environmental Health Department.
Groundwater at the site is approximately 25 feet below
ground surface and has been shown to be degraded and exceeds water
quality objectives for electrical conductivity, dissolved solids,
nitrate nitrogen, and sodium.
The request for a waste water discharge permit alleges
that since the discharge has been ongoing for only 4-years, degradation
may be caused by neighboring agricultural practices. However, this is
contrary to the fact that Syngenta has been operating illegally for 36
years. The discharge of reverse osmosis brine and boiler blowdown alone
would be sufficient to be the cause of a significant portion of the
groundwater degradation.
CSPA is asking that prior to any Wastewater Discharge
Requirements Permit being granted that a Cleanup and Abatement Order
should be issued immediate cessation of all wastewater discharges until
the Discharger applies for, and a permit is issued, and can comply with
the requirements of California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 27.
CSPA's comments regarding the
Revised Tentative Waste Discharge Requirements For Syngenta Seeds, Inc.,