Developer fined for polluting White River from Sumner construction sites

A Pierce County developer has been fined $34,000 for allowing polluted stormwater to reach the White River, according to the state Department of Ecology.

Investigators said Michelson Knapp Land Venture was fined for several violations this year at two Sumner construction sites, Sumner Corporate Park Cascade and Glacier Building.

On four days, inspectors from the Department of Ecology spotted violations of a permit that regulates pollution during construction projects. The company allegedly has failed to meet conditions of the permit since 2013.

The fine stems from Michelson Knapp allowing untreated stormwater to spill into White River, which is home to Puget Sound Chinook and steelhead, as well as other sensitive fish.

Inspectors also are concerned because the polluted water reached Sumner’s stormwater system, which required additional maintenance and could lead to higher costs for ratepayers.

“We expect construction firms to operate on a level playing field, investing and implementing the standard practices accepted by the industry as the best way to prevent pollution reaching our rivers and streams,” said Rich Doenges, an Ecology Department water quality section manager.

The company has 30 days to appeal the fine.

“Michelson Knapp Land Venture takes protection of the environment seriously and consistently implements effective water quality measures at all of its construction sites, including the Sumner Corporate Park Cascade site,” Michelson Knapp wrote in a statement.

This story was originally published December 31, 2015 at 2:43 PM with the headline "Developer fined for polluting White River from Sumner construction sites."