The Washington State Department of Ecology fined Port Townsend Paper Corporation $734,000 for operating its wastewater treatment system improperly since fall 2025, causing increased pollution in Port Townsend Bay.
The violation involved releasing untreated wastewater into the bay, violating state water quality standards. The fine, the largest in the department's history for such a violation, aims to enforce compliance with environmental regulations. The company must now address the system's issues to prevent further pollution.
The Department of Ecology stated the fine would be used to fund environmental protection efforts in the area.