# Highline Mushrooms regulatory and industry developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/highline-mushrooms-regulatory-and-industry-developments > Updated: 2026-09-03T13:31:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Highline Mushrooms has recently faced regulatory and industry developments in North America. In British Columbia, the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks fined Highline Mushrooms West Limited $7,000 for air emissions violations at its Ruby Creek location. The company failed to implement proper controls for ‘goody water’, a liquid waste from the mushroom composting process, between May 2024 and May 2026. This failure to use enclosed systems or negative pressure increased odour risks to surrounding areas. Concurrently, in the United States, the company announced it will maintain its existing quality specifications despite upcoming modernization of the USDA Standards for Grades of Mushrooms. While the new federal standards, effective September 24, offer increased flexibility regarding sizing and defect tolerances, Highline Mushrooms stated it will not lower its standards to ensure consistency for retail and foodservice partners. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Highline Mushrooms to maintain quality standards despite USDA grading changes Highline Mushrooms will maintain its existing quality standards following the USDA's first update to mushroom grading requirements in nearly 60 years, effective September 24. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/highline-mushrooms-to-maintain-quality-standards-despite-usda-grading-changes ### 2026-08-21: Highline Mushrooms West Limited fined for emissions violations Highline Mushrooms West Limited was fined $7,000 by British Columbia officials for air emissions violations at its Ruby Creek facility spanning two years. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/highline-mushrooms-west-limited-fined-for-emissions-violations --- Cite as: Highline Mushrooms regulatory and industry developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/highline-mushrooms-regulatory-and-industry-developments