The Washington Department of Ecology and a Franklin County farmer with Grant County ties have reached a settlement on an illegal irrigation penalty that will shave nearly two-thirds off the original fine. A $304,000 penalty was issued to the Washington Potato Company, which has a processing plant in Warden, in 2021, after an investigation found the owner was irrigating from McNary Pool without a water right. But, after he disputed his alleged offense he is now only required to pay a $125,000 penalty. The company now has authorized use of water to irrigate the 250 acres in 2022.
-0-