FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 3, 2002 02-049
OLYMPIA -- Trans Alta Centralia Mining LLC, a coal-mining operation in Centralia has been fined $24,000 for failing to properly control and treat its stormwater runoff into Hanaford Creek.
The runoff contained mud and clay particles that can harm fish-spawning habitat and other aquatic life.
The firm violated its wastewater permit 12 times during November and December 2001, according to the state Department of Ecology (Ecology).
In addition to issuing the fine, Ecology ordered Trans Alta Centralia Mining LLC to make improvements to prevent future runoff from getting into Hanaford Creek.
The firm was ordered to revise its operation and maintenance manual to have an emergency plan in place to deal with unplanned shutdowns or failures of its wastewater system. Also, it was ordered to have an approved engineering report and treatment ponds in place before any future land-clearing is done.
"We hope the operation can quickly fix its wastewater problems to protect the Chehalis River watershed," said Marc Pacifico of Ecology's water quality program.
Hanaford Creek is part of the Chehalis River watershed. It flows into the Skookumchuck and Chehalis rivers.
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