Kronospan has officially agreed to the fines. For more information about the case, see the consent decree that Kronospan signed accepting the fines below. As of this writing, Kronospan has not issued a public statement regarding the violations or the proposed penalty.
If you live near Eastaboga, you might want to know about a recent environmental enforcement action affecting your community.
Kronospan LLC, the company operating a large wood products manufacturing facility in the area, has agreed to pay $80,000 in penalties for exceeding air pollution limits.
The consent order with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) reveals troubling details about repeated violations at the facility—and this isn’t the company’s first run-in with environmental regulators.
What Happened at the Eastaboga Facility?
According to ADEM documents, Kronospan’s medium-density fiberboard and particleboard plant exceeded carbon monoxide emission limits for 40 operational days. The company’s own monitoring system detected the violations, which persisted even after they notified state regulators.
Here’s the timeline that led to the $80,000 penalty:
- December 17, 2024: Kronospan alerted ADEM about excessive CO emissions.
- February 1, 2025: The company confirmed violations had continued for 40 days.
- February 10, 2025: ADEM issued a formal Notice of Violation.
- March 12, 2025: Kronospan blamed the problem on “low combustion chamber temperature operation.”
- May 11, 2025: Both parties signed the consent order.
The nearly five-month process from initial notification to final settlement shows how environmental violations can persist even after a company acknowledges the problem.
A Concerning Pattern of Violations
What makes this situation particularly worrying for local residents is that this marks Kronospan’s fourth environmental violation in less than two years.
Previous consent orders include:
- November 2023: Fined for constructing equipment without proper permits.
- March 2024: Penalized for not maintaining required monitoring systems.
- December 2024: Cited for operating without control devices and exceeding emission limits.
This pattern raises questions about the company’s commitment to environmental compliance and community safety.
Understanding the Carbon Monoxide Issue
The facility operates a large industrial heater (122.84 MMBtu/hr) as part of its wood processing operations. Federal regulations limit carbon monoxide emissions to 720 parts per million, measured as a 30-day rolling average.
When facilities exceed these limits, it means their pollution control systems aren’t working properly, potentially releasing harmful gases into the surrounding community.
While ADEM stated they found no evidence of “irreparable harm to the environment,” any exceedance of pollution limits is cause for concern, especially in a facility with a history of violations.
What This Means for You
As a resident of Calhoun County, you have the right to:
- Know when industrial facilities violate environmental regulations;
- Report unusual odors, visible emissions, or health concerns;
- Participate in public comment periods for environmental actions; and
- Seek legal counsel if you believe industrial pollution has affected your health or property.
Environmental violations can impact property values, quality of life, and community health. When companies repeatedly violate regulations, residents need strong advocates to protect their interests.
The Bigger Picture: Why Accountability Matters
This latest fine represents more than just a slap on the wrist—it’s part of a larger conversation about industrial responsibility in our communities. While $80,000 might seem substantial, consider that ADEM could have imposed penalties up to $25,000 per day, potentially reaching millions.
The negotiated settlement strikes a balance between enforcement and maintaining business operations, but it also raises questions about whether current penalties are sufficient deterrents.
For context, Kronospan’s facility plays a significant role in the local economy, processing wood products for various industries. However, economic benefits shouldn’t come at the expense of environmental safety. The company’s repeated violations suggest that current oversight and penalty structures may need strengthening to ensure consistent compliance.
What’s particularly concerning is the length of time these violations persisted. Even after Kronospan self-reported the excessive emissions in December, it took nearly five months to reach a resolution. During that time, the facility continued to operate, and emissions potentially continued to affect the surrounding area.
This case underscores the importance of community vigilance and legal advocacy. Industrial facilities must be held to the highest standards of environmental protection, and when they fall short, residents deserve to know their options for recourse.
Let Justice Roll
If you’re concerned about how industrial pollution might be affecting your family’s health or your property values, you don’t have to navigate these complex issues alone. Environmental law intersects with personal injury and property rights in ways that require experienced legal guidance.
At Baxley Maniscalco, we’re committed to protecting the rights of Alabama families. Whether you’re dealing with environmental concerns, personal injury claims, or other legal matters affecting your family’s well-being, we’re here to help.
Have questions about your rights regarding industrial pollution or other legal concerns?
Contact Baxley Maniscalco today at (256) 770-7232 for a confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your options and protect what matters most—your family’s health and future.
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