Citing repeated attempts to work with the property owner since an initial complaint of pollution was investigated in 2010, the Washington State Department of Ecology recently imposed a fine of $12,000.
According to a news release from the state Department of Ecology, Jim and Victoria Snydar were recently fined for polluting waterways that flow into California Creek which ultimately spills into Drayton Harbor. According to Whatcom County Assessor records, the Snydar’s property is located at the northeast corner of Vista Drive and Aldergrove Road.
Click for more information
Click for more informationIssues identified in the news release include
- lack of adequate covered manure storage
- improper manure spreading
- accumulations of manure in pastures and confinement areas that slope to water bodies
In addition, the animals had direct access to the stream.
According to the state Department of Ecology’s Bellingham Field Office Manager Doug Allen,
Click for more information
Click for more informationThe problems on this property are significant, but can be addressed with commonly used practices. We’ve made repeated attempts to work with the Snydars to help them make changes that would prevent pollution. It’s unfortunate that we’ve gotten to this point.
Penalties and orders from the state Department of Ecology may be appealed to the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board.
The Snydars did not respond to a request for comment.
[easy2map id=37]