  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - December 16, 2002
02-229
OLYMPIA - A sand-and-gravel mine near Belfair has been fined $18,000 for violating a permit that is intended to protect water quality and prevent erosion.
Inspectors with the Department of Ecology (Ecology) found that Belfair Sand & Gravel Inc. failed to submit an adequate plan to control erosion and sediment, did not build ponds to hold storm water as required, and has not submitted monitoring reports of its stormwater discharges for the past two years.
"All sand-and-gravel operations in the state are required by law to protect water quality, but this company has failed to meet those requirements and is threatening the environment," said Marc Pacifico, a water-quality specialist with Ecology.
The sand-and-gravel mine is located upstream from Everson Creek, a tributary of the Union River that flows into Hood Canal.
Muddy runoff spurred by heavy rainfall can harm water quality downstream from the site, Pacifico said. The silt clogs fish-spawning gravel, irritates fish gills and can harm other aquatic life.
"Fortunately, this has been a dry fall, but we can't rely on the lack of rainfall to prevent muddy runoff," Pacifico said. "There are simple, reasonable steps these operations can take to protect water quality and still make a profit."
In May, Ecology notified the company about the violations and required it to submit plans and schedules, and to take actions necessary to comply with its permit. The company's response to the notice was deficient, and the plans that were submitted were incomplete, Pacifico said.
In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to take immediate steps, including building holding ponds for storm water and stabilizing slopes to prevent soil erosion.
The company has 15 days to apply to Ecology for relief from the penalty and 30 days to appeal it to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.
Contact: Sandy Howard, public information manager, 360-407-6239
Ecology's Web site information about sand-and-gravel permit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/sand/index.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
