Apple fined for pollution

Already under attack by Greenpeace for its environmental policies, a new report indicates that Apple will pay $43,200 in penalties to the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District for an air quality violation that occurred at its Elk Grove facility in April 2006, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. "When a business neglects to observe air quality regulations the health of our citizens is jeopardized," district executive director Larry Greene said in a news release. The report says the violation occurred over several days as Apple operated its emergency standby generator for a purpose other than maintenance or emergency power. Apple was notified that it violated its permit requirements April 21, 2006 and the report says the penalty is part of a settlement between the district and Apple to resolve violations of air district regulations. The air district's voluntary settlement program is designed to prevent litigation.

Earlier this year, Greenpeace activists said that Apple could be preparing to clean up its manufacturing process, which the group says contains hazardous substances. Apple came under fire on several occasions in recent months from the environmental organization, which placed the Cupertino-based company in last place with regard to environmental issues in early December of 2006 after the Mac-maker scored extremely low on a Greenpeace environmental report card detailing the use of toxic chemicals.

by MacNN Staff