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Department of Ecology News Release - November 7, 2002
02-202
OLYMPIA - Two dairy farms that are doing an exceptional job of keeping manure and contaminated dairy runoff out of streams, lakes and underground water will receive the Department of Ecology's annual "Contribution to Clean Water" awards at meetings later this month.
Ecology Department (Ecology) officials will present the awards to the North Fork Dairy of Snohomish County on Nov. 12 in Everett, and to the Portmann Dairy of Pacific County on Nov. 20 in South Bend.
The North Fork Dairy, a small dairy with about 140 animals, is managed by Randy Peterson and his family.
Ecology inspector Belinda Hovde, who nominated the dairy, said, "Randy and his family have shown their commitment to clean water by managing their animal waste so it doesn't pollute local waterways. This type of attitude will continue to keep agriculture and dairies viable, and also protect surface- and groundwater resources in the state for future generations."
The Portmann Dairy, which has about 350 animals, is located next to Forks Creek and the Forks Creek Salmon Hatchery. Its manure pipeline extends through part of the hatchery and over Forks Creek to a lagoon on the hill above the hatchery, but there never has been a recorded spill of manure into the creek or hatchery area.
"The Portmann Dairy works hard to be a good neighbor, protecting the creek and the fish that could so easily be harmed by poor management practices," said Ecology inspector Gary A. Smith.
Ecology started the dairy awards in 1999 to recognize farmers who make an extra effort to keep pollution out of streams and ground water.
"Most dairy farmers do try to keep their waste out of streams," said Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons. "But North Fork is setting the standard for clean dairy operations, and Portmann is doing a particularly good job under unusual circumstances. Both operations deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievements."
The awards will be presented at the following locations:
Media Contacts:
Leslie Thorpe, Public Information Manager, (360) 407-6848 - office (360)
534-8590 - pager
Nora Jewett Mena - Agriculture Coordinator, (360) 407-6413
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
