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Department of Ecology News Release - January 9, 2002
02-008
OLYMPIA - The owner of Eagle Ridge Development near Woodland has been fined $10,000 for allowing water polluted with petroleum and cleaners to run off his property and threaten underground water, nearby drinking-water wells and the Lewis River.
The penalty stems from vehicle- and equipment-washing activities at Eagle Ridge Development's equipment repair shop, located at 2301 Lewis River Rd.
The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) levied the penalty after repeatedly offering the owner advice on how to protect water quality and prevent ground contamination, according to Marc Pacifico of Ecology's water-quality program.
Samples collected during an inspection in January 2000 revealed that wash water going into the ditch and ground contained oil and grease, diesel, lube oil and sediments. In March 2000, Ecology ordered the owner to repair a leaking power-washer system and certify that no waste water would get into the stormwater system. Ecology never received the required evidence that the repair was made.
Neighbors have contacted Ecology repeatedly to complain about the washing activities.
The site has a history of ground contamination due to a previous owner's engine washing, fueling and fuel storage activities, Pacifico said. When the property was purchased by Eagle Ridge Development in 1993, Ecology advised the new owner about the requirement to contain the wash water used on the equipment. Starting in 1993, Ecology files show a history of many contacts with the new owner to offer technical assistance.
"Other businesses that do equipment and vehicle washing follow environmental requirements, and this business needs to also," Pacific said. "We have given Eagle Ridge plenty of time and have offered lots of assistance, and now we feel we have no choice but to levy a penalty.
Eagle Ridge Development may file an application for relief from the penalty with Ecology within 15 days, and/or may file an appeal within 30 days with the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.
Contact: Sandy Howard, public information officer, 360-407-6239
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
