Nichols Brothers Boat Builders fined $39,000 for waste violations

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders has been fined $39,000 by the state Department of Ecology for unsafe management of dangerous waste. An inspection in November revealed 20 violations regarding the identification, labeling, or storage of waste materials.

The company, located in Freeland, is classified as a large generator of dangerous waste, producing materials such as solvents, paints, used oils, and sandblast abrasives. This marks the sixth inspection in 15 years where the company was found to have improper waste management practices, although the Department of Ecology noted that these specific violations did not result in environmental pollution.

Nichols Brothers CEO Gavin Higgins stated that the company strives for compliance and welcomes recommendations, noting that they have established procedures to meet state and federal requirements. The company has 30 days to pay the fine or file an appeal.