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Department of Ecology News Release - December 18, 2007
07-371
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has stepped up its actions against a landowner responsible for sending muddy water into Lacamas Creek while clearing a 190-acre site mainly consisting of wetlands near Winlock in early October.
Ecology is issuing an administrative order to Phil Smith of Chehalis requiring him to immediately cease all ground-disturbing activities at the site and apply for a construction stormwater permit. Ecology also requires Smith to implement a plan to stabilize soils on the property within 20 days of receiving this order.
Muddy water is a problem for salmon-bearing Lacamas Creek because it irritates fish gills, smothers eggs interferes with navigation and feeding and food sources. Lacamas Creek is home to coho and Chinook salmon, winter-run steelhead and sea-run cutthroat.
"This owner chose to ignore permitting requirements designed to protect wetlands, streams and control pollution," said Garin Schrieve, a manager in Ecology's water quality program. "As a result, this site is damaging aquatic habitat. This order requires the owner to take some immediate actions to stem the flow of sediments from the site."
Ecology sent a warning letter to Mr. Smith on Oct. 25 asking him to immediately cease all discharges of stormwater from the site, apply for the Construction Stormwater General Permit, and to stabilize soils, as required by the state's stormwater requirements. Mr. Smith did not complete any of these tasks.
Ecology first became aware of unpermitted land clearing in early October. On Oct. 19, Ecology inspectors, joined by representatives from Lewis County and other jurisdictions, inspected the site. They documented muddy discharges getting into Lacamas Creek, which is home to endangered and threatened fish stocks.
The site is adjacent to Interstate 5 in Lewis County at exit 63.
Wetlands provide benefits to people and communities because they filter pollution from water, provide fish and wildlife habitat, store flood waters, recharge aquifers and maintain surface water flow during dry periods.
Ecology and several other agencies are also investigating potential wetland violations on the Smith property stemming from the site clearing. That investigation is ongoing.
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Media Contact: Kim Schmanke, 360-407-6239; kisc461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
