State DEP Orders Hemp-Drying Facility to Close

PITTSBURGH—The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on Monday issued an administrative order to Patriot Shield Pennsylvania, LLC, a hemp-drying facility in Jeannette, PA, to cease operation.

The enforcement action follows two notices of violation sent to the facility following citizen complaints and inspections by DEP staff documenting malodors, as well as the installation and operation of equipment without DEP authorization, the DEP states.

The order also requires Patriot Shield to cease operation within 48 hours of receipt and not install any air contamination sources and air cleaning devices unless and until authorized by DEP and also prohibits Patriot Shield from accepting deliveries of, processing or storing hemp material at the site unless and until authorized by the DEP.

The DEP in its announcement states that if Patriot Shield intends to continue operations at the site, it must submit within 45 days a plan approval application for the installation and operation of air contamination sources and/or air cleaning devices or a new request for determination for the installation and operation of air contamination sources and/or air cleaning devices.

The agency notes that while hemp drying facilities are relatively new operations in this area, they must follow Pennsylvania’s air quality regulations by obtaining DEP authorization through a request for a determination or an application for an air quality plan approval prior to installation and operation of any air contamination source or air cleaning device.

In addition to issuing the order, DEP is also inviting the operator to a meeting to discuss permitting requirements. There was no civil penalty imposed in connection with the violations, although the DEP states it retains the authority to seek civil penalties from Patriot Shield.