  |
|
|
Department of Ecology Press Release - October 10, 2005
05-249
OLYMPIA - A Raymond business faces a $10,000 fine from the state for allowing sandblast grit to run into the Willapa River and for operating without a shipyard permit.
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) took the action against Jackpot Industries Inc. of Raymond, which operates at the Port of Willapa Harbor.
Grit that is used to sandblast boats can contain metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, tributyl tin, and zinc. Businesses are required to conduct sandblasting inside a contained area and sandblast grit must not be allowed to enter waterways, or contact storm water. Businesses also must obtain a permit from Ecology to engage in ship-repair practices.
In August, Ecology inspectors found evidence that Jackpot employees were sandblasting a boat while it was tied to the dock at the Port of Willapa Harbor. They also found evidence that sandblasting was occurring at the Jackpot yard located in another area of the Port of Willapa Harbor. Jackpot did not have a permit to engage in ship repair at the time of the inspections.
In addition to the penalty, Ecology ordered Jackpot to immediately cease all vessel repair and maintenance work (except work located entirely inside vessels, or buildings) until they have a permit; evaluate sediment contamination in the Willapa River where sandblasting was occurring on the water; and remove all soil contaminated with sandblast grit from their yard and dispose of it in a facility licensed and approved to accept this material.
"The material sandblasted off boats can contain many harmful metals," said Kelly Susewind, a manager in Ecology's water-quality program. "Shipyards must obtain and abide by permits to ensure work is done properly and material is not allowed to pollute our waters."
The owners have 30 days to apply for relief and/or appeal the penalty.
###
Contact: Glenn Kuper, public information manager, 360-407-6848
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
