July 8, 2010
Ecology fines Stahl Hutterian Brethren
The Washington State Department of Ecology issued a violation to the Stahl Hutterian Brethren on Feb. 2, 2010, for burning prohibited materials in an illegal outdoor fire area at its community near Ritzville on Oct. 15, 2009.
The fine totaled $4,500.
The violation was one of several issued by the Department of Ecology this year. It issued $245,825 in penalties of $1,000 or more in the first three months of 2010.
Ecology works with thousands of business and individuals to ensure compliance with laws written to protect Washington’s air, land and water resources. Penalties are issued in cases where non-compliance continues after Ecology has provided technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations.
The money owed from penalties may be reduced from the issued amount due to a ruling by the Pollution Control Hearings Board or a negotiated settlement. Ecology doesn’t benefit from penalty payments. The final penalty amount owed and collected is deposited in special accounts that pay for:
• Environmental restoration and enhancement projects.
• Research and development.
• Permitting and regulatory programs.
• Education and assistance.
The most common accounts receiving collected penalties are:
• Coastal Protection (RCW 90.48.400 and RCW 90.48.390)
• Vessel Response (RCW 90.56.335)
• Underground Storage Tank (RCW 90.76.100)
• Air Pollution Control (RCW 70.94.015)
• Biosolids (RCW 70.95J.025)
• State Toxics Control (RCW 70.105D.070)
• Oil Spill Prevention (RCW 90.56.510)
• Reclamation (RCW 18.104.155 and RCW 89.16.020)
• Electronic Recycling (RCW 70.95N.130)
