The Port of Sunnyside Announces a Settlement Agreement with Columbia Riverkeeper
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2026
The Port of Sunnyside today announced it has reached a settlement with Columbia Riverkeeper. The settlement focuses on maintaining effluent limits at the Port's Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility (IWWTF) within the parameters of the Port's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. While the excess discharges from the Port's IWWTF did not necessitate action from the Department of Ecology, the Port of Sunnyside has agreed to work with Columbia Riverkeeper on a plan designed to minimize the potential for future exceedances and enhance ongoing compliance measures.
As part of the settlement agreement the Port has agreed to make a payment in the amount of $250,000 to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to support projects benefitting water quality and/or aquatic habitat in the Columbia River Basin.
The Port of Sunnyside remains firmly committed to serving its industrial users in a manner that upholds environmental responsibility while fostering sustainable economic development. The Port of Sunnyside's primary mission is to develop, diversify, broaden and strengthen the economic base throughout the district in an environmentally prudent manner. One of the many ways that this is done is in the operation of the Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility, which supports all the industrial users in the community. Each of these users provide jobs, resources, and goods to our local, regional, national and international neighbors.
The Port values the contribution that these industrial users bring to the table, and the Port is committed to being an environmentally responsible partner in the process. The Port will continue to improve processes that support the community and protect the local environment. Through continued growth, responsible operations, and collaboration, the Port will continue striving to meet the highest standards of compliance and environmental stewardship.
Posted May 27, 2026
