Squaxin Island Tribe wins decision in suit over new water wells

Friday, April 1, 2011  

The Squaxin Island Tribe won its lawsuit against the Washington Department of Ecology.

The tribe questioned whether it was appropriate to drill new water wells in the Johns Creek Basin. The tribe asked the department to study whether the wells would threaten salmon runs.

The department twice rejected the tribe's request but Judge Paula Casey of the Thurston County Superior Court ruled that the denial was “arbitrary and capricious," The Olympian reported.

“While we seek cooperation first in all of our natural resources management efforts, there are times when we must go to court to protect our culture and treaty rights,” tribal natural resources director Andy Whitener told the paper.

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Squaxin tribe wins legal battle with Ecology (The Olympian 4/1)