SOAP LAKE – The Washington Department of Ecology has imposed a $10,000 penalty on Stevens Land Holdings, LLC of Soap Lake for irrigating 100 acres of alfalfa without the necessary permit. The state says the violation raises concerns about the impact on groundwater supplies, which have already been allocated to legal water right holders. The penalty reportedly follows repeated offers of technical assistance and orders to cease the unauthorized irrigation. According to an article published by the Capital Press, Stevens says he will fight the fine on appeal.
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