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Department of Ecology News Release - November 6, 2006
06-226
BELLINGHAM - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined D.B. Johnson Construction Inc. $14,000 for discharging muddy water into Terrell Creek, a salmon-bearing stream.
Muddy water from construction sites presents a special hazard to salmon. When particles settle they can affect developing eggs. Suspended silt irritates the delicate gills of salmon.
The discharge occurred at a 51-acre construction site located at the intersection of Bay and Jackson Roads in Blaine. Ecology conducted six inspections between 2004 and 2006 and found 26 water-quality violations. Along with the muddy water discharge, the violations included the workers' failure to implement adequate erosion controls and failure to manage the site by conducting routine site inspections.
"We tried very hard to help this contractor get into compliance before we took enforcement action," said Richard Grout, manager of the Ecology's Bellingham Field Office. "We prefer to work with people rather than hand out fines, but it's our job to protect the environment and to provide a level playing field between construction sites that follow their permit requirements and those that do not."
Terrell Creek is part of the Birch Bay watershed and is home to coho and chum salmon, coastal cutthroat and steelhead.
Terrell Creek has been subject to growing community concern and active restoration projects through the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) and the Chums of Terrell Creek. NSEA plans to continue working on Terrell Creek until salmon return to the watershed in sustainable numbers.
D.B. Johnson may appeal the fine to Ecology or the Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.
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Media contact: Shannon Sullivan, Public Information Officer, 360-738-6247, ssul461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
