EPA: Lodi bakery cited for ethanol emissions

LODI, Calif. -- The Environmental Protection Agency says a San Joaquin Valley bakery was emitting more than just good odors during the bread baking process.

Cottage Bakery in Lodi has been cited for allegedly releasing ozone-producing ethanol as well. The EPA says the commercial bakery failed to obtain permits for new ovens and install air pollution controls.

The bakery must pay a $625,000 penalty as part of a settlement filed in federal court this week. The settlement still requires the court's approval.

Cottage Bakery's parent company, Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products, Inc., says the violations occurred before it acquired the bakery, and it has since invested more than $1.4 million to ensure the bakery is in compliance with environmental regulations.

source: sacbee