EPA v. Rocky Reach Hydroelectric Project

Case summary

On August 10, 2023, Region 10 filed an expedited settlement agreement resolving violations of the Clean Water Act by Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County located in Wenatchee, WA. Respondent operates a hydroelectric dam with several operating systems containing oil in the powerhouse at their facility on the Columbia River in Central Washington. An EPA spill prevention, control and countermeasure (SPCC) inspection on November 29, 2022 determined the respondent's SPCC Plan had multiple deficiencies including failure to discuss alternative environmental protection to SPCC requirements and providing an adequate description for equipment failure that could result in discharge. The facility's oil tanks have a storage capacity of approximately 314,077 gallons. PUD No. 1 of Chelan County agreed to make amendments to the SPCC Plan for the facility's oil storage, transportation, and use and pay a penalty of $1,188 for the SPCC regulatory violations.

Defendants (1)

• Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan CountyNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• ROCKY REACH HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

  6151 STATE ROUTE 97A, WENATCHEE, WA, 98801

Statutes cited

• CWA 311J — SPCC and/or Federal Response Plan Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Rocky Reach Hydroelectric Projectentered 2023-08-10

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $1,188

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2023-05-04Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2023-08-10Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2023-08-10Final Order Issued
• 2023-10-30Enforcement Action Closed