KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

December 31, 1997

Contact: Gary Miller

785-296-1547

KDHE Directs Omni Engineering to Comply with Air Permit Requirements

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an administrative order requiring Omni Engineering, Omaha, Neb., to comply with requirements of the company's Kansas air quality permit. Omni operates a drum mix asphalt plant near Alta Vista.

The order further requires Omni to pay a one-time $3,000 civil penalty. The maximum penalty allowed under Kansas statute is $10,000 per day for each violation.

On December 3, KDHE received the results of performance tests conducted at the plant on September 18. The results indicated that air emissions from the facility exceeded limits specified in the permit.

The company must conduct new tests by June 1, 1998 and submit the results to KDHE within 30 days after testing. KDHE will then determine if the facility has met the permit requirements based on those tests.

The matter is subject to appeal to the Secretary of Health and Environment.