Clean Water Act Victory! – North Star Casteel
By Teryn Yazdani, Staff Attorney
Earlier this summer, Columbia Riverkeeper finalized an agreement with North Star Casteel Products, Inc. (North Star) in Vancouver, Washington, settling a Clean Water Act lawsuit challenging years of alleged unlawful stormwater pollution. Columbia Riverkeeper negotiated with the facility on solutions that benefit both the health of the river and the realistic economic interests. North Star agreed to make several changes that will eventually re-route and collect all the facility’s stormwater runoff, including: installing a drywell, installing an infiltration pond or basin, re-designing a rain garden onsite, redesigning and improving all existing stormwater capture and transport structures, and implementing any additional recommendations suggested by a hired engineer. This case is one strong example of how Columbia Riverkeeper uses the Clean Water Act to prioritize compliance and stop pollution above all else.
As part of the settlement, North Star agreed to make several other improvements to its facility to reduce industrial pollution, including:
- Lawfully disposing of or relocating all industrial materials that are exposed to the elements (and not part of active operations) to areas where they will not come into contact with stormwater;
- Fitting all waste and scrap bins with storm-resistant lids or, if that is impracticable, relocating them to prevent stormwater exposure; and
- Complying with all its Clean Water Act permit requirements.
To reduce harm from its pollution and deter any future Clean Water Act violations, the settlement requires the facility to make a payment in lieu of a penalty of $25,000 to Seeding Justice’s Columbia River Restoration Fund, which will award grants for projects benefitting water quality in the Columbia River Basin.
Thanks to our outside counsel, Emma Bruden of Kampmeier & Knutsen, PLLC, for representing Columbia Riverkeeper in this case.
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About Columbia Riverkeeper
Columbia Riverkeeper’s vision is a Columbia River that unites people to fight for clean water, abundant fish and wildlife, and our climate. Founded in 2000, the non-profit has over 20,000 members who live, work, and recreate throughout the Columbia River Basin. For over two decades, Columbia Riverkeeper has worked in solidarity with Tribes and people who rely on clean water to advocate for a river where everyone can eat locally-caught fish without fear of getting sick. Through the organization’s Clean Water program area, Columbia Riverkeeper uses the Clean Water Act to hold polluters accountable and reduce harmful pollution when the government is not enforcing the law.