The quarry, located on Hand Road northeast of Monroe, is known as the Diorite Site and owned by AAA Monroe Rock Corporation of Snohomish. Ecology inspectors took a sample of storm water running off the site that contained eroded dirt at a level 10 times higher than the state water-quality standard. The company has also taken an unfair economic advantage over its competitors who pay permit fees and abide by state environmental laws. Glynn said a citizen complaint led Ecology to the unpermitted quarry. Our lakes, streams and rivers are a big part of our quality of life, and we really appreciate people who help us protect them.
Muddy water is an environmental concern because it suffocates fish and destroys salmon habitat.
Runoff from the unpermitted quarry near Monroe drains into a tributary of Woods Creek, which supplies spawning and rearing habitat for a portion of the wild coho salmon in the Snohomish River. Glynn said the company has promised to apply for a water quality permit and to improve existing erosion control on the site. The company also has hired an engineer to design a permanent erosion-control plan. AAA Monroe Rock Corporation has the right to appeal the penalty to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board in Olympia.