Whatcom County farm reaches settlement over illegal irrigation allegations

RAN General Partnership in Whatcom County, WA, has reached a settlement with the state Department of Ecology, agreeing to pay $15,000 over allegations of illegal irrigation. The farm previously faced a $20,000 fine last year for irrigating 40 acres of blueberries without the necessary water rights. This settlement marks the second fine against RAN and its owner, Rick Alamwala, following a $12,000 penalty in 2023. To ensure compliance moving forward, Alamwala will install telemetric water meters that will allow Ecology to monitor the site. The decision to settle aims to mitigate the risks and costs associated with extended litigation.

The urgency for effective water management arises from a drought emergency declared by Ecology in Whatcom County over the summer. Compliance with water rights regulations is increasingly critical for local agriculture, particularly in drought-affected regions. This case exemplifies the state's efforts to enforce water management laws amid ongoing environmental challenges.