The Associated Press

MONROE - Environmental regulators have proposed a fine of about $56,000 for a manufacturer accused of exceeding permitted levels of zinc chloride in wastewater discharges from the company's Monroe plant.

Excessive zinc discharges from the Precision Packaging plant could have harmed the bacteria that break down waste at a wastewater treatment plant along the Great Miami River, said James Parrott, environmental services director of the Butler County Department of Environmental Services. The facility treats discharge and releases it into the river.

Parrott's letter detailing six alleged violations March 20-25 was hand-delivered to the company on Thursday, Parrott said. The plant makes household cleaning and personal care products.

Regulators found the plant was discharging 1 to 4 pounds of zinc each day they took samples, compared with the wastewater plant's total capacity to handle 17.5 pounds per day, Parrott wrote in his letter.

Precision Packaging has 10 days to ask for reconsideration of the fine. It also has 10 days to report the source of the alleged violations and say what it will do to prevent future problems, Parrott said in his letter.

Kris Foley of Precision Packaging declined comment Friday.