PUD to go around state, local laws

EPHRATA – Grant PUD Commissioners are moving forward with a plan to bypass state and local permitting requirements and build a spring Chinook acclimation facility on the White River in Chelan County.

The proposed action comes one week after a Chelan County hearing examiner denied all the necessary permits for construction of the acclimation facility.

Grant PUD’s federal license requires the utility to construct facilities that will help restore spring Chinook populations in both the White River and Nason Creek. The license, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, according to publicist Rita Bjork, allows Grant PUD to bypass or “preempt” state and local laws in cases where those laws prevent the utility from complying with the terms of its license.

“The hearing examiner’s decision puts us at risk of being out of compliance with our license and potentially subject to significant penalties,” said Jeff Grizzel, Grant PUD director of natural resources.

“Unfortunately, we have no choice but to begin the federal preemption process to ensure we meet our license requirements related to the White River.”