CARTHAGE — According to the engineer in charge of the Carthage/West Carthage Water Pollution Control Facilities, experts are working with Climax Paperboard and Packaging, West Carthage, on compliance with state Department of Environmental Conservation regulations.

Carrie M. Tuttle, director of engineering for the Development Authority of the North Country, which oversees the treatment plant, reported to the facilities management board Dec. 19 that Climax had pH violations in November and was issued a notice of violation.

“Climax responded with a formal letter indicating that they are still working out some control issues with their pH neutralization system,” Ms. Tuttle reported.

She also noted the the municipal facility did not violate any of its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit limits.

She said she is continuing to work on the Department of Environmental Conservation consent order compliance requirements and attended a meeting with representatives from the village and Climax to discuss a settlement agreement.

In August, acting on a consent order from DEC, the WPCF board issued its own consent order against Climax.

According to DEC, Climax violated terms of a discharge permit when wastewater from the paper manufacturer had higher pH or acidity levels than acceptable. Increased pH levels throw off the water treatment facility— a problem that costs money to correct.

Ms. Tuttle also reported that the manufacturing plant would be closed from Dec. 24 until after Jan. 1, noting there would a loss of sanitary sewer revenue during that time.

Ms. Tuttle submitted a draft of the plant’s health and safety manual for approval by the board. She is also overseeing routine inspections and maintenance.

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