Haines fish processor accused of improper discharge into inlet

ANCHORAGE - The federal Environmental Protection Agency has filed a complaint against a Haines fish processor, accusing the plant of violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

The agency on Tuesday accused Chilkoot Fish & Caviar, Inc. of improperly discharging fish processing waste into Lutak Inlet from May to October in 2004 through 2007.

Lutak Inlet is a tributary of Lynn Canal.

Fish waste is the unused portions of processed fish. Processors are required to grind waste to pieces of one-half inch or less.

The EPA says that over the four years, Chilkoot processed more than 824,000 pounds of fish waste.

According to the agency, the plant faces a maximum civil penalty of $177,550.