Washington Sawmill Sued Over Water Discharge Into Chehalis River

Sierra Pacific Industries Inc. is facing allegations that it discharged polluted stormwater from its sawmill facility in Aberdeen, Wash., into the Chehalis River and Grays Harbor in violation of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

The complaint by Twin Harbors Waterkeeper alleges that, among other things, Sierra Pacific violated water quality standards, failed to implement adequate best management practices and stormwater controls, failed to properly monitor its discharges, failed to keep required records, and failed to report permit violations. It seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, civil penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

The suit was filed Wednesday in the ...