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Department of Ecology News Release - March 2, 2006
06-033
BELLEVUE - The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined the contractor and owner of the Skagit Highlands development project in eastern Mount Vernon $17,500 for polluting Nookachamps Creek with muddy water and other violations.
Silty storm-water runoff could be seen entering the creek from the project during an Ecology inspection Jan. 20. The project also did not have adequate measures in place to control erosion of bare earth, where vegetation had been cleared. Ecology's permit for the project requires prompt installation of storm-water controls after clearing.
Ecology issued the penalty to Skagit Highlands LLC of Redmond and to Boss Construction, Inc. of Bellingham.
The 206-acre project received a penalty late last year for similar violations that occurred in the spring and summer. The fine, originally set at $16,000, was later reduced to $14,000. That penalty is currently under appeal.
"It's a serious matter when violations continue to occur," said Kevin Fitzpatrick, a manager in Ecology's water-quality program. "By employing the practices specified in this project's permit, Skagit Highlands would have kept silt out of nearby streams."
The silt in muddy water can damage gills in fish and can clog the gravel habitat needed by juvenile fish and other organisms.
Skagit Highlands LLC and Boss Construction may appeal the penalty to Ecology or to the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.
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Contact: Larry Altose, public information officer, 425-649-7009
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
