House unanimously approves Abbarno bill ending environmental ‘double standard’
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House unanimously approves Abbarno bill ending environmental ‘double standard’
When private agricultural operations contaminate groundwater, they are subject to strict regulations and enforcement. Yet when a state-run facility was identified as a source of nitrate pollution in Lewis County, it was not subject to the same manure-management standards as private landowners.
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, and passed unanimously by the Washington State House of Representatives, closes that regulatory loophole.
House Bill 2343 requires that state-operated game farms comply with the same rigorous environmental and groundwater protection standards as private farms.
“The government cannot hold private property owners to a standard it refuses to meet itself,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “This legislation is about more than just regulations. It is about fundamental fairness and accountability. When the state pollutes, it should face the same scrutiny and requirements as any other entity. Today, the House sent a clear message that protecting the health and property of our neighbors is a priority, regardless of who is responsible.”
The bill was introduced in response to elevated nitrate levels detected in private drinking water wells in the Fords Prairie area. Groundwater monitoring by Lewis County, the City of Centralia, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife identified manure from the state-operated Bob Oke Game Farm as a contributing source of the contamination.
Abbarno’s legislation requires that publicly owned facilities with large concentrations of game birds obtain the appropriate permits, implement manure pollution prevention plans, and adhere to groundwater monitoring and reporting requirements.
“Families in Fords Prairie deserve to know their drinking water is safe and that the state is taking active steps to prevent further contamination,” Abbarno added. “This bill ensures that groundwater protections are permanent and enforceable rather than voluntary.”
In addition to regulatory reforms in HB 2343, Abbarno previously helped secure $5 million to assist the City of Centralia and Lewis County in expanding water infrastructure to the affected area.
HB 2343 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
