Puyallup developer will pay thousands to settle water quality violations in Gig Harbor

A Puyallup company will pay a $40,000 penalty for violations related to a Gig Harbor development, the state Department of Ecology said in a news release May 2.

RM Homes LLC had various water quality violations at its housing development on Edwards Drive in Gig Harbor, and has reached a settlement with the state, according to the release.

“In 2023, state and local inspectors noted 15 water quality permit violations despite warnings and offers of technical assistance from Ecology staff,” the release said. “Violations include failing to install sediment controls, stabilize soils, protect drain inlets, manage draining water, and operate the construction project within the permit requirements.”

The News Tribune was not able to reach the company Friday for comment.

The owner, Ryan McGowan, told Gig Harbor Now via email in August: “I’m an experienced land developer, been doing this for 29 years and have never had a fine from the DOE. We did everything humanly possible to control the erosion on this project — including spending over $300,000 in change orders with our contractor specifically related to added (best management practices).”

The development at 7524 Sandin Lane includes 14 homes, which the company’s website says are “priced from the $1,100,000s.”

The news release said the original penalty was $56,000, and that the settlement agreement reduced it to $40,000.

“Stormwater runoff from construction sites often carry muddy water, debris, and chemicals into local waterways,” the release said. “Sediments, chemicals, and debris can harm aquatic life and reduce water quality. To minimize this risk, Ecology requires regulated construction projects (such as the Edwards Drive site) to get a Construction Stormwater General Permit.”

Ecology spokesperson Brittny Goodsell told The News Tribune via email last month that the company does not have other projects that have led to penalties, according to the agency’s database.

Regarding the Edwards Drive site, she said via email: “They originally received a $2,000 penalty for violating their Construction Stormwater General Permit. Ecology issued them with a $56,000 penalty because those violations kept happening. From there, Ecology and RM Homes recently settled on a new penalty amount — and that’s how we got to the $40,000 penalty.”

The $40,000 goes to a fund that “provides grants to public agencies and Tribes for water quality restoration projects,” the agency’s release said.

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