Region 10 Settles with Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. (Mt. Vernon, Washington) for CWA Violations
On June 10, 2019, Region 10 filed a consent agreement and final order resolving violations of the Clean
Water Act by Northwest Hardwoods, Inc., Mt. Vernon, Washington. Respondent, which operates a
sawmill, discharged pollutants to waters of the U.S. and was found to be operating in violation of the
Washington State NPDES Industrial Stormwater General Permit. Violations include failure to
document monthly inspections, unauthorized discharge, and inadequate best management practices.
The company is now operating in compliance and doing so will reduce the amount of stormwater
discharges into Indian Slough. Indian Slough flows to the Puget Sound. Puget Sound is anadromous
fish passage waters. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $16,200.