State fines B.G.'s Wholesale Printers for pollution overflow

The state Department of Ecology has filed a notice of penalty for $18,000 against Battle Ground's Wholesale Printers, which is alleged to have discharged silver-bearing photochemicals, ink and solvent wastes into the sewer system.

An attorney representing Wholesale Printers Inc. said the company disputes the penalty and will appeal.

"We don't think Ecology understands the facility's operations and its history," attorney Thomas Benke said.

"And that's what the hearing is for."

The company, owned by Ron Ermshar, has operated in Battle Ground since 1987.

According to an enforcement recommendation dated April 2, the Department of Ecology investigated after workers with Clark Regional Wastewater District complained about hazardous materials entering the sewer system.

Inspector Dee Williams noted that toxic sludge had been allowed to build up over time in pre-treatment wastewater vaults on the property at 10816 N.E. 189th St. in the Meadow Glade area.

On Dec. 6, the agency received notice that one of the tanks had overflowed into a parking lot.

"Over the past 20 years, Wholesale Printers has saved thousands of dollars by avoiding the regulations, and that gave them an unfair economic advantage over competitors," Ava Edmonson, an Ecology manager, said in a prepared statement.

"Ultimately, while they saved money, they put people and the environment at risk."