A Lynden-based fish processing facility has been fined $7,000 by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) after improper discharge into the city water sewage system, DOE announced Monday.
On March 24, 2022, Premier Packaging discharged fish skin and bones that were later trapped by the city of Lynden’s wastewater treatment plant.
“This is the sixth time since 2017 that Premier Packing has failed to screen fish tissue from their wastewater as required,” according to a DOE press release. “Preventing fish tissue from entering the Lynden sewer system helps to keep the wastewater treatment plant running smoothly.”
Though the violation occurred in March, DOE issued the fine in late July.
DOE issued more than $36,000 in fines between July and September this year, though Premier was the only Whatcom-based business or individual fined during the three-month period.