The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Longview Fibre Co. a total of $16,000 for exceeding air-pollution limits four times last spring, including one violation that lasted 56 days, agency spokeswoman Sandy Howard said Tuesday.

"Longview Fibre has permits, and we expect it to meet the limits on those permits," she said.

Fibre released too much carbon monoxide into the air April 27, too much sulfur dioxide May 15 and too many airborne particles June 7. Each incident drew a $2,000 fine, Howard said.

The state also fined Fibre $10,000 for releasing higher-than-permitted airborne particles between late April and mid-June, she said.

Fibre spokesman Curt Copenhagen was not immediately available Tuesday afternoon.

In a written report to the Ecology department, Fibre blamed operational oversight for the violations.

The Ecology department issued a press release quoting Copenhagen. "It is a goal of Longview Fibre Co. to be in compliance 100 percent of the time for all environmental requirements. We continually strive to achieve that goal, and to reduce our emissions."

Fibre has 30 days to appeal the fine to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.

The Ecology department fined Fibre $32,000 last year for discharging untreated water into the Columbia River. The company blamed malfunctioning equipment.