LEAVENWORTH — Two conservation groups have sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, alleging its fish hatchery near Leavenworth violates federal clean-water rules.
The Wild Fish Conservancy and the Center for Environmental Law &Policy filed the lawsuit on Monday in U.S. District Court in Spokane.
The groups allege the hatchery is discharging pollutants into nearby Icicle Creek without a necessary permit and that it has not had a permit for 35 years, in violation of federal clean-water laws. They also say the hatchery releases chemicals, phosphorus, antibiotics and other pollutants into the waters.
The groups say efforts over the years to get the hatchery to comply have been unsuccessful.
Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Amanda Smith declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.
The hatchery focuses on raises spring Chinook salmon for sport, tribal and commercial fisheries.
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