CAMAS MILL DISTRICT PLAN
Discussion Draft
January 6, 2026
Appendix 5: Critical Areas (Groundwater discussion) This year saw a significant increase to well above the existing EPA/State action levels. Since 2015 the Department of Ecology has recently renewed the mill’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)discharge permit for the Columbia River. The Columbia Riverkeeper submitted a letter to DOE noting the potential pollution from legacy contaminants. Further, the letter expressed the need to study the potential for groundwater contamination that could impact the Columbia River. In DOE’s final overview to the mill’s permit, DOE included • “A study to evaluate if G-P Camas is sending PFAS to the wastewater treatment plant. • Updating the mixing zone study to reflect the changes to plant e ffl uent after the Kraft pulping operations cessation.” Why is this an important consideration for Our Camas 2045? “The Growth Management Act (GMA) (Chapter 36.70A RCW) requires all cities and counties in Washington to adopt regulations protecting “critical areas” in order to preserve the natural environment, wildlife habitats, and sources of fresh drinking water .” The Department of Commerece 30 (DOC)’s summary reminds us that “All jurisdictions are required to review, evaluate, and, if necessary, revise their critical areas ordinances according to an update schedule. For more information on the schedule and required updates, see our page on Comprehensive Planning." This link provides “Counties and cities not "fully planning" under the GMA are required to review and, if necessary, amend their policies and development regulations regarding critical areas and natural resource lands only” 31 When Camas 2035 was considered, information on the potential mixing of groundwater under the mill and the city’s municipal supply, Well 13 in particular, did not exist. Pulping operations withdrew a surprisingly large amount of water. This established a far different mixing zone environment than ten years later. The Mayor’s letter objected to an unsupported statement by DOE that their was zero potential for the mixing of mill contaminants and municipal water. " we also want to remind Ecology that the City's primary drinking water sources are groundwater wells located along the shoreline of the Washougal River upstream of GP's site. GP has not performed groundwater sampling or modeling to our knowledge, and Ecology has not made a "non potability" determination." 32
https://mrsc.org/explore-topics/environment/regulations/critical-areas 30 https://mrsc.org/explore-topics/planning/gma/comprehensive-planning 31 https://online.flippingbook.com/view/196453510/ 32 Page of 34 35
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