Asphalt company fined $49,000 for spill into Peshastin Creek

OLYMPIA — A Central Washington paving company has been fined $49,000 for a 2023 spill that released hot asphalt into Peshastin Creek, a waterway that supports threatened fish species.

The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the penalty to Central Washington Asphalt for allowing at least 70 gallons of hot mixed asphalt to fall through a 3-inch gap between twin bridges on U.S. Highway 2 during a repaving project on July 21, 2023. An estimated 35 gallons of the material entered the creek, with the remainder landing on the dry creek bed and banks, according to Ecology.

The Washington State Department of Transportation discovered the spill during an inspection on Aug. 10 and instructed the company to report the incident. Central Washington Asphalt reported the spill to Ecology on Aug. 22 but failed to begin cleanup immediately as directed, officials said.

An investigation by Ecology found that the company did not use adequate containment methods to prevent the asphalt from falling through the bridge gap. “Despite Ecology’s repeated direction, Central Washington Asphalt’s attempts to remove the material were ineffective, and it remained in place,” the department said in a statement.

Ecology responders later removed approximately 20 gallons of hardened asphalt and debris on Sept. 28. However, the agency said rising creek levels made it impossible to recover all of the material.

Peshastin Creek provides habitat for species listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and is an important cold-water refuge and spawning site for fish, according to Ecology.

Central Washington Asphalt has 30 days to appeal the penalty to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board.