The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says an upstate New York cheese company has reached a legal settlement agreeing to upgrade its manufacturing equipment and reduce pollutant discharges.
Losurdo Foods sends wastewater to the municipal treatment plant in Heuvelton (HYOO'-vuhl-tuhn). The treatment plant discharges water into the Oswegatchie River.
Under the EPA agreement, Losurdo has agreed to a 16 percent reduction in the amount of nitrate compounds and a 50 percent reduction in the amount of wastewater it sends to the treatment plant each year.
Losurdo uses nitric acid to clean its process lines. Nitrate compounds are produced. Both chemicals are toxic and can harm eyes, skin, the respiratory system and teeth, and can cause significant environmental damage to streams, lakes and rivers.
