Port Townsend Paper Fined $20,000 for Two Water Quality Violations After Wastewater Spills

Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) in Washington has been fined $20,000 by the state’s Department of Ecology following two separate wastewater spills into Port Townsend Bay earlier in 2025. The incidents involved approximately 1,000 gallons of condensed steam system water discharged in January and around 114,000 gallons of untreated pulp and paper wastewater released in April due to pipe leaks. PTPC promptly shut down operations to repair the damaged pipes after discovering the leaks. The facility operates both industrial and sanitary wastewater treatment plants, but its permit requires all wastewater to be treated before discharge to protect aquatic life. PTPC, employing about 300 staff, produces roughly 1,000 tons of unbleached paper, containerboard, and pulp daily. The company has 30 days to pay the penalty or appeal the decision.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION/LAWSUITS