Waste Action Project v. Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.

Filing 64

CONSENT DECREE granting parties' 63 Stipulated motion for entry of consent decree. Signed by Judge Ricardo S. Martinez. (PM)

HON. RICARDO S. MARTINEZ

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
AT SEATTLE

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WASTE ACTION PROJECT,

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Plaintiff,
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v.
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FRUHLING SAND & TOPSOIL, INC.,
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Defendant.
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___________________________________ )

Case No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
CONSENT DECREE

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I.

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STIPULATIONS

WHEREAS, Plaintiff Waste Action Project filed a second amended complaint against

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Defendant Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc. (“Fruhling”) alleging violations of the Clean Water Act

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(“CWA”), 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq., at Fruhling’s facility located at 1010 228th Street SW,

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Bothell, WA 98021 (the “Property”), and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, civil

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penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Dkt. 40. Fruhling's activities and operations on the

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Property, along with the Property, are referred to as the "Facility."

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WHEREAS, the parties executed and filed a “Stipulation of Facts and Issues” stipulating

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to, among other things, Fruhling’s discharges of arsenic-contaminated water to Crystal Creek via

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point source without NPDES permit authorization in violation of the Clean Water Act (referred

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to herein as the “unpermitted pollutant discharge”). Dkt. 55.

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CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
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Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

4837-6461-4319

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I.

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ORDER AND DECREE

THIS MATTER came before the Court upon the foregoing stipulations of the parties.

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Having considered the stipulations and the promises set forth below, the Court hereby ORDERS,

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ADJUDGES, and DECREES as follows:

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1.

This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter of this action.

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2.

Each signatory for the parties certifies for that party that he or she is fully

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authorized by the party or parties he or she represents to enter into the terms and conditions of

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this Consent Decree and to legally bind the party or parties, their successors in interest and

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assigns of the parties to it.
3.

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This Consent Decree applies to and binds the parties and their successors in

interest and assigns.
4.

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This Consent Decree and any injunctive relief ordered within will apply to the

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operation and oversight by Fruhling of the Facility, which is currently subject to National

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Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit No. WAG503168 (the “NPDES permit”), but

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which lacks an NPDES permit authorizing the unpermitted pollutant discharge.
5.

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This Consent Decree is a full and complete settlement and release of all the claims

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alleged in the second amended complaint and all other claims known or unknown and existing as

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of the date of the entry of this Consent Decree that could be asserted against Fruhling, its

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officers, management, employees, agents, successors and assigns under the Clean Water Act, 33

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U.S.C. §§ 1251-1387, arising from the operation of or discharges from the Facility. Upon

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termination of this Consent Decree, these claims will be released and dismissed with prejudice.
6.

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This Consent Decree is a settlement of certain disputed facts and law. This

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Consent Decree is not an admission or adjudication regarding any specific allegations by Waste

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Action Project in this case or of any conclusion of fact or law related to those allegations that

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remain undecided or unstipulated, nor evidence of any wrongdoing or misconduct on the part of

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Fruhling.
CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
3

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

7.

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The parties agree that the obligations undertaken under Paragraphs 8, 9 and 10 are

in full and complete satisfaction of all the claims covered by this decree.
8.

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Injunctive Relief:
a.

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Fruhling will comply fully with the terms and provisions of the NPDES

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Permit at the Facility and any successor, modified, or replacement permit and any

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additional NPDES permit issued for the Facility in the future.
b.

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Fruhling will comply with the Agreed Order attached as Exhibit A,

including the Corrective Actions in Section IV of the Agreed Order. In addition:

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1.

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Fruhling must, simultaneous with delivery of any and all

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documents submitted to Ecology under the Agreed Order, send a copy to Waste

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Action Project.
2.

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Upon receipt of documents submitted under paragraph 8.b.1 of this

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Consent Decree, Waste Action Project will have 30 days to provide Fruhling and

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Ecology with comments. Within 14 days of receiving Waste Action Project’s

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comments, Fruhling will respond to each comment in writing. If Waste Action

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Project’s comments propose changes to any of Fruhling’s submissions to

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Ecology, Fruhling’s response must adopt Waste Action Project’s proposed

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changes and promptly resubmit to Ecology, or provide detailed justification why

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it believes the proposed changes are unnecessary or unreasonable.
3.

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Fruhling will make all reasonable efforts to expeditiously obtain

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Ecology approval for its plan to address its unpermitted pollutant discharge in

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accordance with paragraphs IV 1) through 4) of the Agreed Order, as well as any

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other necessary regulatory approvals or other agreements with third parties. Upon

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Ecology’s approval of Fruhling’s proposed plan, Fruhling will implement the plan

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as soon as practicable.

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CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
4

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

c.

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With respect to any contamination caused by the unpermitted pollutant

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discharge that is not addressed by the Agreed Order and that is located outside the

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boundaries of the Facility, Fruhling will comply with the requirements of the Model

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Toxics Control Act (MTCA), Chapter 70.105D RCW and Ecology's implementing

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regulations, Chapter 173-340 WAC. Fruhling will promptly provide Waste Action

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Project with copies of all sampling data obtained during this process, and notify Waste

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Action Project within 7 days after it completes implementation of a cleanup action plan.
d.

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Once per calendar quarter Fruhling will provide Waste Action Project with

progress updates describing the status of implementation of all activities performed under

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this Paragraph 8 until complete. These progress updates will be due to Waste Action

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Project on the following dates for the prior calendar quarter: February 15th, May 15th,

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August 15th and November 15th.
e.

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Within thirty (30) days of entry of this Consent Decree, with a qualified

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consultant, Fruhling will review and revise its Site Management Plan (SMP) to meet the

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requirements of the Sand and Gravel General Permit as follows: (i) include on the

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Facility site map the presence of any scrap metal pile, the location of the unpermitted

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pollutant discharge, the drainage from near the entrance that flows to a Pond, and the

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location of methane system components that generate condensate; (ii) include a directive

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to identify any location that is designed to or used purposely to infiltrate stormwater as a

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discharge point and monitor that location in accordance with the NPDES permit; (iii)

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develop procedures for monitoring and disposal of methane system condensate to prevent

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discharges of condensate to the ground; (iv) revise the BMPs to include additional

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sweeping at the Facility entrance to minimize sediment trackout; (v) after a review to

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assess the sufficiency of the current SMP, including the sufficiency of the currently

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selected Best Management Practices (BMPs), otherwise revise the SMP as necessary to

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achieve compliance with the NPDES Permit.
CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
5

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

f.

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Within ten (10) days of entry of this Consent Decree, Fruhling will

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prevent methane system condensate from discharging to the ground.

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9.

Payment in Lieu of Penalty:
a.

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Fruhling will make payments in the amount of the lesser of fifty percent

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(50%) of the Net Proceeds on Sale of the Property or Four Hundred Thousand Dollars

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($400,000) ("the Payment in Lieu of Penalty"). "Net Proceeds on Sale of the Property"

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means all proceeds of the sale of the Property remaining after satisfaction and payment of

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all financial encumbrances on the Property, real estate excise taxes due in connection

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with the sale, commissions, closing costs including escrow fees and costs of recording

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and reconveyance, title insurance premiums, and the costs of litigation owed per

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paragraph 10 of this Consent Decree. If Fruhling contends the Payment in Lieu of

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Penalty is less than $400,000, it will promptly provide Waste Action Project with copies

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of all documentation used to calculate the Payment in Lieu of Penalty. Payments towards

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the Payment in Lieu of Penalty will be made to EarthCorps for environmental benefit

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projects in the Swamp Creek watershed, as described in Exhibit B to this Consent Decree.

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Checks will be made to the order of and delivered to EarthCorps, Attn: Steve Dubiel,

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6310 NE 74th Street, Suite 201E, Seattle, WA 09115. Payment shall include the

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following reference in a cover letter or on the check: “Consent Decree, WAP v. Fruhling

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Sand and Topsoil, Inc.” Fruhling will send copies of all checks and cover letters

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simultaneously to Greg Wingard, Waste Action Project, P.O. Box 9281, Covington, WA

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98042. Fruhling will satisfy this obligation as follows:
b.

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Fruhling will make monthly payments of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)

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until it pays the entirety of the Payment in Lieu of Penalty. These monthly payments will

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be due on the first day of each month. A check mailed and postmarked on or before the

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first of the month will be considered timely. For every day a payment is late, Fruhling

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will pay an additional Twenty-Five Dollars ($25) as stipulated damages for late
CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
6

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

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payments. Fruhling may at any time pay the entire remaining balance of the Payment in

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Lieu of Penalty, plus any accrued late fees, to satisfy its obligation under Paragraph 9.
c.

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Fruhling’s first monthly payment to EarthCorps will be due on the first of

the month following satisfaction of Fruhling’s obligations in Paragraph 10, below.

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d.

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Fruhling commits to diligently pursue a sale of the Property and to

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maximize the sale price. Fruhling will pay any remaining balance of the Payment in Lieu

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of Penalty, plus any accrued late fees, within seven (7) days of closing on any sale of the

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Property. Fruhling will within one (1) business day notify Waste Action Project when it

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receives any written purchase offers (including the offer amount), when it executes a

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purchase and sale agreement, and when the sale closes.

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10.

Costs of Litigation:
a.

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Fruhling will pay Waste Action Project’s reasonable attorney and expert

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fees and costs in the amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000), pursuant to

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the Promissory Note executed in favor of Smith & Lowney PLLC on December 24, 2019

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and attached hereto as Exhibit C. Checks will be made to the order of and delivered to

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Smith & Lowney PLLC, 2317 E. John Street, Seattle, WA 98112, Attn: Knoll Lowney.

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Fruhling will satisfy this obligation as follows, consistent with the Promissory Note:
b.

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Fruhling will make monthly installment payments of Five Thousand

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Dollars ($5,000) each month, commencing on the first day of the month following entry

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of this Consent Decree. The full balance, including any accrued interest and late fees

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provided in the Promissory Note attached hereto as Exhibit C, will be due and payable on

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the first day of the fortieth month after the first installment date, or seven (7) days after

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the closing date for the sale of the Property, whichever occurs earlier. Fruhling may at

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any time pay the entire remaining balance of the $200,000 before the due date, plus any

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accrued interest and late fees, to satisfy its obligation under Paragraph 10.

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CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
7

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

c.

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Fruhling commits to pursue sale of the Facility and to maximize the sale

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price. Fruhling will within one (1) business day immediately notify Waste Action Project

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when it receives any written purchase offers (including the offer amount), when it

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executes a purchase and sale agreement and when the sale closes.

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11.

The payments described under Paragraphs 9 and 10 above shall be in full and

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complete satisfaction of any claims Waste Action Project has or may have against Fruhling,

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either legal or equitable, and of any kind or nature whatsoever, for fees, expenses, and costs

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incurred in this litigation, or for civil penalties, or payments in lieu of civil penalties pursuant to

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a supplemental environmental project under the CWA, or relief of any nature whatsoever not

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provided for in this Consent Decree.
12.

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A force majeure event is any event outside the reasonable control of Fruhling that

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causes a delay in performing tasks required by this decree that cannot be cured by due diligence.

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Delay in performance of a task required by this decree caused by a force majeure event is not a

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failure to comply with the terms of this decree, provided that Fruhling timely notifies Waste

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Action Project of the event; the steps that Fruhling will take to perform the task; the projected

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time that will be needed to complete the task; and the measures that have been taken or will be

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taken to prevent or minimize any impacts to water quality resulting from delay in completing the

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task.

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Fruhling will notify Waste Action Project of the occurrence of a force majeure event as

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soon as reasonably possible but, in any case, no later than fifteen (15) days after the occurrence

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of the event. In such event, the time for performance of the task will be extended for a

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reasonable period of time following the force majeure event.
By way of example and not limitation, force majeure events include

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a.

Acts of God, war, insurrection, or civil disturbance;

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b.

Earthquakes, landslides, fire, floods;

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CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
8

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

c.

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Actions or inactions of third parties over which defendants have no
control;

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d.

Unusually adverse weather conditions;

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e.

Restraint by court order or order of public authority;

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f.

Strikes;

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g.

Any permit or other approval sought by Fruhling from a government

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authority to implement any of the actions required by this consent decree

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where such approval is not granted or is delayed, and where Fruhling has

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timely and in good faith sought the permit or approval; and
h.

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13.

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Litigation, arbitration, or mediation that causes delay.

This Court retains jurisdiction over this matter. And, while this Consent Decree

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remains in force, this case may be reopened without filing fee so that the parties may apply to the

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Court for any further order that may be necessary to enforce compliance with this decree or to

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resolve any dispute regarding the terms or conditions of this Consent Decree. In the event of a

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dispute regarding implementation of, or compliance with, this Consent Decree, the parties must

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first attempt to resolve the dispute by meeting to discuss the dispute and any suggested measures

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for resolving the dispute. The provisions of CWA section 505(d), 33 U.S.C. § 1365(d),

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regarding awards of costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to

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any prevailing or substantially prevailing party, will apply to any proceedings seeking to enforce

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the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree.
15.

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The parties recognize that, pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1365(c)(3), no consent

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judgment can be entered in a Clean Water Act suit in which the United States is not a party prior

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to forty-five (45) days following the receipt of a copy of the proposed consent judgment by the

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U.S. Attorney General and the Administrator of the U.S. EPA. Therefore, upon the filing of this

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Consent Decree by the parties, Waste Action Project will serve copies of it upon the

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Administration of the U.S. EPA and the Attorney General, with a copy to Fruhling.
CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
9

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

16.

1

This Consent Decree will take effect upon entry by this Court. Upon both (a)

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satisfaction of the payment obligations under Paragraphs 9 and 10, and (b) issuance of any No

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Further Action letter by Ecology with respect to the obligations under paragraph 8.c of this

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Consent Decree, or after two years from the date of entry of this Consent Decree, whichever is

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later, the parties shall jointly notify the Court and request termination of this Consent Decree and

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dismissal of the case in accordance with Paragraph 5. The parties by agreement may request

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termination and dismissal after performance of both (a) and (b) above.

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17.

All parties have participated in drafting this Consent Decree.

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18.

This Consent Decree may be modified only upon the approval of the Court.

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19.

If for any reason the Court should decline to approve this Consent Decree in the

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form presented, this Consent Decree is voidable at the discretion of either party. The parties

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agree to continue negotiations in good faith in an attempt to cure any objection raised by the

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Court to entry of this Consent Decree.
20.

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All communications between the parties shall be through legal counsel.

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Notifications or copies required by this Consent Decree to be made to Waste Action Project shall

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be delivered electronically to:
Waste Action Project
Attn: Greg Wingard
P.O. Box 9281,
Covington, WA 98042
E-mail: [e-mail]

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Notifications required by this Consent Decree to be made to Fruhling shall be mailed to:

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Dan Fruhling
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
7534 NE 175th St #1
Kenmore, WA 98028
E-mail: [e-mail]

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With a copy to:
Douglas Morrison
Miller Nash Graham & Dunn

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CONSENT DECREE
No. 2:17-cv-00498-RSM
10

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

A

Smith & Lowney, p.l.l.c.
2317 East John St.
Seattle, Washington 98112
[phone]

EXHIBIT A

STATE OF WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENT OE ECOLOGY
Northwest Regional Office • 3190 160th Ave SE • Bellevue, WA 98008-5452 • 425-649-7000
711 for Washington Relay Service • Persons with a speech disability can call 877-833-6341

OCT 2 2 2019

Mr. Dan Fruhling, President
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Ine.
7524 NE 175"’ Street
Kenmore, WA 98028-3596
Re:

A g r eed O r d er D o ck et N o.

16479

Sit e Lo cat io n

1010 228' ’' Street SW

Bothell, WA 98021

Agreed Order

Dear Mr. Fruhling:
Enelosed is a eopy o f the signed and effective Agreed Order number 16479. The enclosed Order
may not be appealed. The Order is effective as o f October 18, 2019.
Note that the Ecology contact listed in this Agreed Order, Jacob Carnes, will no longer be in this
role as o f October 25, 2019. If you have any questions concerning the content of the document,
please contact Jerry Shervey at [phone] or [e-mail].
Sincerely,

Rachel McCrea
Water Quality Section Manager
Northwest Regional Office
Washington State Department o f Ecology
Enclosure: Agreed Order No. 16479
By Certified Mail No.: 9171 9690 0935 0204 6821 77
cc: Central Files, Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc., Sand and Gravel General Permit No. WAG503168, WQ 6.4
ec: Gerald Shervey, Ecology
Jacob Carnes, Ecology
Gretchen Onstad, Ecology
Stacy Patterson, Farallon Consulting, [e-mail]
Daniel Fruhling, Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, [e-mail]
Larry Carron, Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, [e-mail]
Douglas Morrison, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, [e-mail]

STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
IN THE MATTER OF AN
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
AGAINST:
FRUHLING SAND & TOPSOIL, INC.
MR. DAN FRUHLING
To:

Mr. Dan Fruhling, President
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
7524 NE 175“’ Street
Kenmore, WA 98028-3596

Agreed Order Docket No.
Site Location
I.

AGREED ORDER
DOCKET NO. 16479

16479
1010 228* Street SW, Bothell, WA 98021

INTRODUCTION

This is an Agreed Order between the Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Fruhling Sand &
Topsoil, Inc. (Fruhling) to achieve compliance with Sand and Gravel National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Waste Discharge General Permit number
WAG503168, RCW 90.48.080, WAC 173-201A-260, and WAC 173-216-040, by taking
certain actions which are described below to eliminate discharge from a buried pipe to
surface water.
II. RECOGNITION OF ECOLOGY’S JURISDICTION

This Agreed Order is issued pursuant to the authority vested in Ecology by the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), 33 U.S.C. sec 1311, et seq. and Chapter 90.48 Revised
Code of Washington (RCW).
RCW 90.48.030 provides that Ecology shall have the jurisdiction to control and prevent the
pollution of streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, inland waters, salt waters, water courses, other
surface and underground waters of the state of Washington.
RCW 90.48.120 authorizes Ecology to issue administrative orders requiring compliance
whenever it determines that a person has violated or created a substantial potential to violate
any provision of Chapter 90.48 RCW or fails to control the polluting content of waste to be
discharged to waters of the state.
Fruhling agrees to undertake all actions required of it by the terms and conditions of this
Agreed Order and not to contest Ecology’s jurisdiction and authority to administer this
Agreed Order. Fruhling agrees not to appeal this Agreed Order.
Nothing in this Agreed Order shall in any way relieve Fruhling of its obligations to comply
with the requirements of its Permit. Nor shall anything in this Agreed Order limit Ecology’s
authority to enforce the provisions of the aforementioned Permit. Nothing in this Order will
confer or designate compliance with the Model Toxics Control Act, WAC 173-340.

Agreed Order Docket No. 16479
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
Page 2 of 8

Hi. FINDINGS OF FACT

Ecology’s determination that a violation has occuiTed or may occur is based on the following
facts.
This Agreed Order is being issued to Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc. (Fruhling) to address a
discharge of arsenic contaminated groundwater that is not subject to the monitoring
requirements of the facility’s Sand & Gravel General Permit number WAG503168 (Permit).
The Fruhling facility is a reclaimed mine that recycles asphalt and concrete, and makes
topsoil mixes.
The Sand and Gravel NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit was issued to all
permit applieants on February 17, 2016, with a five-year effective period of April 1, 2016,
through March 31, 2021. The Permit WAG503168 authorizes Fruhling to discharge Type 3
stormwater to Crystal Creek at monitoring point M Pl, and to ground at monitoring points
MP2 and MP3. The Type 3 stormwater discharge is subject to complying with the discharge
limits and prohibitions set forth in special condition SI of the Permit and all other special and
general requirements specified in the Permit.
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc. is located on the site of a former mine that was aetive from
1952 to 1965. The areas of the site that were mined have been restored to elevations
specified in the Department of Natural Resources reclamation permit #10402 and a settling
pond in the interior of the mine was back-filled during reclamation. Fill materials have been
placed at the site since approximately 1992. Fruhling has partieipated in Ecology’s
Voluntaiy Cleanup Program (VCP), under the Model Toxies Control Act, during two time
periods as project numbers NW1665 from 8/16/2006 to 1/7/2008 and NW2657 from
11/20/2012 to 8/17/2018. Elevated levels of arsenie were detected on site in groundwater
and surfaee water during both VCP partieipation periods. A letter from VCP to Fruhling,
dated January 12, 2015, states that elevated levels of arsenic and iron in the groundwater are
attributed to reducing conditions caused by degradation of wood placed in the fill materials.
On two separate occasions (2/1/2018 and 3/11/2019), Ecology inspectors have observed an
orange residue in the drainage ditch (Photos 1 and 2) and native growth protection area
(wetland, in Photos 3 and 4) that drains to Ci7 stal Creek south of the Fruhling facility. The
first inspection was unannounced in response to a citizen complaint regarding a groundwater
seep discharging discolored water to the ditch and wetland adjoining homeowner properties.
The second inspection was conducted by invitation from Fruhling to address violations
identified in the first inspection. On May 24, 2019, split sampling was conducted by Fruhling
and the Waste Action Project (WAP). Results in Table 1 show that arsenic was detected in
the (end-of-pipe) water entering the drainage ditch and in the sediments of the drainage diteh.
The total arsenie in the “end-of-pipe” sample exeeeds the state and federal human health
criteria for surfaee water (freshwater).
The discharge originates from a conveyance pipe that was originally installed to provide
overflow drainage from a settling pond that was used when the site was aetively mined,
reclaimed, or both. The settling pond has been filled in, but the conveyance pipe remains
buried in place. The discharge from the pipe flows to a manhole that discharges into several
hundred feet of ditch that empties into a wetland designated as a native growth protection
area. The water discharged from the conveyance pipe does not meet the Permit definition of

Agreed Order Docket No. 16479
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
Page 3 of 8

Type 2 stormwater, Type 3 stormwater, process water, or mine dewatering water, and
therefore is not subject to the monitoring requirements or effluent limits of the Permit.
Table 1: Parameters measured in water and sediment samples at Fruhling on May 24,2019
Sam p le Lo cat io n

Sam p le Typ e

M easu r ed Valu e (Fruhling )

M easu r ed Valu e (W AP)

End of pipe

Water

3.87 pg/L (dissolved Arsenic)
14.3 pg/L (Total Arsenic)

4.88 pg/L (dissolved Arsenic)
13.2 pg/L (Total Arsenic)

Drainage Ditch

Sediment

256 mg/Kg-dry (Arsenic)
85.3 wt% (moisture)

217 mg/Kg-dry (Arsenic)
81.6 wt% (moisture)

WAP = Waste Action Project

The water discharged from the buried conveyance pipe to the ditch system on the southwest side
of the property and the related accumulation of orange residue violates RCW 90.48.080, WAC
173-20lA-260(2b), and WAC 173-216-040.
RCW 90.48.080: Discharge of polluting matter in waters prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, drain, run, or otherwise discharge into any of
the waters of this state, or to cause, permit or suffer to be thrown, run, drained, allowed to
seep or otherwise discharged into such waters any organic or inorganic matter that shall
cause or tend to cause pollution of such waters according to the determination of the
department, as provided for in this chapter.

WAC 173-201A-260: Natural conditions and other water quality criteria and
applications.
(2) Toxics and aesthetics criteria. The following narrative criteria apply to all existing

and designated uses for fresh and marine water: ...
(b) Aesthetic values must not be impaired by the presence of materials or their effects,
excluding those of natural origin, which offend the senses of sight, smell, touch, or
taste...

WAC 173-216-040; Authorization required.
(1) No waste materials may be discharged from any commercial or industrial operation
into waters of the state, or into any municipal sewerage system, nor may waste materials
be discharged from any municipal sewerage system into waters of the state, except as
authorized pursuant to this chapter, chapter 173-220 or 173-226 WAC.
(2) Any person who constructs or modifies or proposes to construct or modify wastewater
facilities must first comply with the regulations for submission of plans and reports for
construction of wastewater facilities, chapter 173-240 WAC.

Agreed Order Docket No. 16479
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
Page 4 of 8

Photo #1: Small ditch with orange residue behind 23033 11*
Ave W, flowing northwest on 2/1/2018 [P13I0101.JPG].

Photo # 2 : Orange residue observed in drainage
ditch on 3/11/2019 [IMG_0589.JPG].

Photo #3: Orange residue flowed fi'om the drainage diteh
(north of 9th PI W), entered the culvert, and drained to the
native growth protection area (south of 9th PI W) shown here
on 2/1/2018 [PI310068.JPG].

Photo #4: Orange residue observed in the
native growth protection area on 3/11/2019
[1MG_0587.JPG].

Agreed Order Docket No. 16479
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
Page 5 of 8

IV. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

For the reasons detailed above, and in accordance with RCW 90.48.120, IT IS AGREED that
Fruhling shall take the following actions by the dates set forth below. These actions are
necessary to satisfy the requirements of RCW 90.48.080, WAC 173-20 lA-260, and WAC
173-216-040. Fruhling has participated in defining these actions and the dates by which they
shall be completed. Fruhling shall also submit permit applications and documents needing
approvals from the various government agencies in a timely fashion in order that the dates for
the various actions are able to be met.
Fruhling and Ecology are entering into this Agreed Order to address these violations. Fruhling
prefers to eliminate the arsenic contaminated groundwater discharge to surface water by either
treatment and infiltration, or routing to a sanitary sewer. If these options are not feasible,
Fruhling will obtain an individual NPDES permit for discharge. Ecology requests that
Fruhling prepare the following deliverahles:
1) Within 90 days of the execution of this Agreed Order, Fruhling must complete a feasibility
study of the three options for source control;
A. Treatment and infiltration
B. Discharge to sewer
C. Individual NPDES Permit
2) If the feasibility study determines that option A or B is feasible, then Fruhling must submit,
within 120 days of execution of this Agreed Order, a plan and a schedule for implementation of
a treatment/infiltration system or sewer discharge connection.
3) If the study determines that options A and B are not feasible, then Fruhling must submit, within
180 days of execution of this Agreed Order, a new discharge application for an Individual
NPDES Permit that includes a description of the proposed treatment system.
4) Upon startup of any treatment or infiltration system, Fruhling must submit an Operations and
Maintenance Plan for the system.
5) Within 120 days of execution of this Agreed Order, Fruhling must submit a plan and schedule
for removal and disposal of the soil layer discolored by orange residue in and near the ditch
along the homeowner properties neighboring the mine property.
V. PROGRESS REPORTING

Fruhling shall immediately notify Ecology of any occurrence which may result in
noncompliance with the requirements of this Agreed Order. Such notifications shall state
the nature of the potential noncompliance, the reason(s) therefore and the actions taken by
Fruhling to address the potential noncompliance.
VI. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREED COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE

Amendments to the agreed compliance schedule may be requested for good cause. Extension
of the deadline imposed by this Agreed Order is unlikely and will only be granted when
requests for extensions are submitted in writing, in a timely fashion, and demonstrate good

Agreed Order Docket No. 16479
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
Page 6 of 8

cause for granting the extension. Failure to obtain financial assistance in the form of grants
or loans shall not be eonsidered good cause.
To be effective, all proposed amendments must be signed by the person with signature
authority for each party.
VII. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Order is effeetive on the date the agreement has been signed by both parties.
VIII. TERMINATION OF THE AGREED ORDER

Upon eompletion by Fruhling of the actions identified in Section IV of this Agreed Order and
issuance of a Notice of Compliance by Ecology, the requirements of this Agreed Order shall
be deemed to be fulfilled and shall have no further effect on Fruhling.
IX. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

If a dispute arises between Ecology and Fruhling regarding any noncompliance with this
Agreed Order, the parties shall attempt to resolve the dispute by informal resolution. A
dispute shall be considered to have arisen when one party notifies another, in writing, that
there is a dispute. If the parties eannot resolve the dispute informally within thirty (30)
days, Fruhling shall serve on Ecology a written Statement of Position. Within thirty (30)
days after receipt of Fruhling’s Statement of Position, Ecology shall provide Fruhling with a
final administrative decision.
X. ENFORCEMENT

Failure to comply with this Agreed Order may result in the issuanee of civil penalties of up
to $10,000 per day or other aetions, whether administrative or judicial, to enforce the terms
of this Agreed Order.
XI. THIRD PARTY RIGHT TO APPEAL

By signing this Agreed Order, Fruhling may not appeal this Agreed Order, however, a third
party may.
A party other than Fruhling has a right to appeal this Order to the Pollution Control Hearing
Board (PCHB) within thirty (30) days of the date of reeeipt of this Order. The appeal process
is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. “Date of receipt” is
defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2).
To appeal, you must do both of the following within thirty (30) days of the date of receipt of
this Order:
•

File your appeal and a copy of this Order with the PCHB (see addresses below).
Filing means aetual receipt by the PCHB during regular business hours.

•

Serve a copy of your appeal and this Order on Ecology in paper form - by mail
or in person. (See addresses below.) E-mail is not aecepted.

You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and
Chapter 371-08 WAC.

Agreed Order Docket No. 16479
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
Page 7 of 8

Your appeal alone will not stay the effectiveness of this Order. Stay requests must be
submitted in accordance with RCW 43.21B.320.
XII. ADDRESS AND LOCATION INFORMATION
Street Addresses

Mailing Addresses

Department of Ecology
Attn: Appeals Processing Desk
300 Desmond Drive SE
Lacey, WA 98503

Department of Ecology
Attn: Appeals Processing Desk
PO Box 47608
Olympia, WA 98504-7608

Pollution Control Hearings Board
1111 Israel Road SW
SEE 301
Tumwater, WA 98501

Pollution Control Hearings Board
PO Box 40903
Olympia, WA 98504-0903

XIII. CONTACT INFORMATION

Please direct all questions about this Order to:
Jacob Carnes
Sand and Gravel Permit Manager
Department of Ecology
Northwest Regional Office
3190 160“’ Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98008-5452
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
XIV. MORE INFORMATION

Pollution Control Hearings Board Website: http://www.eluho.wa.gov/Board/PCHB
Chapter 43.21B RCW - Environmental and Land Use Hearings Office - Pollution
Control Hearings Board: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.21B
Chapter 371-08 WAC - Practice And Procedure:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=371-08
Chapter 34.05 RCW - Administrative Procedure Act:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=34.05
Ecology's Laws, rules, & rulemaking website:
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/How-we-operate/Laws-rules-rulemaking

Agreed Order Docket No. 16479
Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc.
Page 8 of 8

XV. SIGNATURES

Date

u _^

Rachel McCrea
Water Quality Section Manager
Northwest Regional Office
Washington State Department of Ecology

lolm

Date

WASHINGTON PROMISSORY NOTE
(SECURED)
ON THIS 24th DAY OF December, 2019, Fruhling Sand & Topsoil, Inc., of 1010 228th
Street SW, Bothell, WA, hereinafter known as the “Maker” promises to pay to Smith &
Lowney, PLLC, of 2317 E. John St., Seattle, WA 98112, hereinafter known as the
“Payee”, the principal sum of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND Dollars ($200,000.00).

1. PAYMENTS: Maker shall pay (check the applicable box)
- NO INSTALLMENTS. Payment in full of principal and interest accrued shall
be payable on the due date.
- INSTALLMENTS of principal and interest in the amount of FIVE THOUSAND
Dollars ($5,000.00)
- INTEREST ONLY PAYMENTS on the outstanding principal balance.
If installments or interest only payments are checked above, such installment
payment shall be due and payable on the (check the applicable box)
- First day of every month beginning on the first day of the month following
court entry of the proposed consent decree in W.D. Wash Case No. 2:17-cv00498-RSM.
- Every week beginning on the ____ day of ____________________, 20___.
2. DUE DATE: The full balance on this Note, including any accrued interest and
late fees, is due and payable on the first day of the fortieth month after the first
installment date above, or seven (7) days after the closing date for sale of 1010
228th Street SW, Bothell, WA, whichever occurs earlier.
3. INTEREST DUE IN THE EVENT OF DEFAULT: In the event that the Maker fails
to pay the note in full on the due date or has failed to make an installment
payment due within 15 days of the due date, unpaid principal shall accrue
interest at the rate of four and a half percent (4.5%) per annum OR the maximum
rate allowed by law, whichever is less, until the Maker is no longer in default.

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4. ALLOCATION OF PAYMENTS: Payments shall be first credited any late fees
due, then to interest due and any remainder will be credited to principal.
5. PREPAYMENT: Maker may pre-pay this Note without penalty.
6. LATE FEES: If the Payee receives any installment payment more than ten days
after the date that it is due, then a late payment fee of $25.00, shall be payable
with the scheduled installment payment. If the Payee receives any installment
payment more than sixty days after the date that it is due, then a late payment
fee of $525.00, shall be payable with the scheduled installment payment.
7. DUE ON SALE: This Note is secured by a security instrument described in
Section 17 securing repayment of this Note. If Maker sells the property described
in such security instrument, Payee may declare all sums due under this Note
immediately due and payable, unless prohibited by applicable law.
8. ACCELERATION: If the Maker is in default under this Note or is in default under
the security instrument securing repayment of this Note, and such default is not
cured within thirty days after written notice of such default, then Payee may, at its
option, declare all outstanding sums owed on this Note to be immediately due
and payable, in addition to any other rights or remedies that Payee may have
under the security instrument or state and federal law.
9. ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS: Maker shall pay all costs incurred by Payee
in collecting sums due under this Note after a default, including reasonable
attorneys’ fees. If Payee or Maker sues to enforce this Note or obtain a
declaration of its rights hereunder, the prevailing party in any such proceeding
shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in
the proceeding (including those incurred in any bankruptcy proceeding or appeal)
from the non-prevailing party.
10. WAIVER OF PRESENTMENTS: Maker waives presentment for payment, notice
of dishonor, protest and notice of protest.
11. NON-WAIVER: No failure or delay by Payee in exercising Payee’s rights under
this Note shall be considered a waiver of such rights.
12. SEVERABILITY: In the event that any provision herein is determined to be void
or unenforceable for any reason, such determination shall not affect the validity
or enforceability of any other provision, all of which shall remain in full force and
effect.
13. INTEGRATION: There are no verbal or other agreements which modify or affect
the terms of this Note. This Note may not be modified or amended except by
written agreement signed by Maker and Payee.
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