The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

Ecology issues penalties to local man

Charged for illegal burning

December 04, 2012

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued $491,628 in penalties of $1,000 or more in the third quarter (July - September) of 2012, including one to a local man.

On July 9, 2012, Lester Tubbs was penalized $8,520 for burning prohibited materials in an outdoor fire without landowner permission. He also burned without a permit and caused nuisance smoke.

Communities, families and businesses depend on clean air, land and water, and on reliable water supplies. Complying with the state's and our nation's laws helps assure this.

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, and education and assistance.