Monsanto Pays $600,000 for Failing to Disclose Use of Toxins

By teleSUR

30 March 15

The U.S. based agrochemical company released harmful toxins into the atmosphere for over three years without reporting it.

onsanto has agreed to pay US$600,000 in fines to federal regulators for not reporting the release of severe toxic chemicals from its Idaho plant between the years 2006 and 2009.

The agrochemical company reached a deal with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this week for the toxins released from the Soda Springsfacilities, a Monsanto subsidiary.

According to federal officials, the plant was emitting hydrogen cyanide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury in the three year time period. The chemicals could cause serious damage to the environment and the health of local residents.

“Each of these chemicals are hazardous and can pose serious health risks to workers and the community if mishandled or released in an uncontrolled manner,” said federal officials in a statement released Thursday.

Companies are required by law to report the release of such chemicals immediately, however managers at the Soda Springs Facilities failed to do so.

Monsanto has been underfire before for releasing toxic chemicals into the environment and exposing residents to cancer causing chemicals.

Last week, the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer released a report saying the world's most used herbicide, which is produced by Monsanto, “probably causes cancer.”

The $600,000 is not expected to burn a hole in the multimillion dollar company's pocket. In the fiscal year of 2013, the company reported over $1.5 billion in profit.