News Flash

All News

Posted on: September 14, 2020

Pierce County takes steps to have Electron Dam removed

Citing the inexcusable environmental harm caused by irresponsible management of the Electron Dam, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier has issued a letter imposing a series of mitigation steps the owners must take.  Working with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Dammeier’s ultimate goal is to remove the 12-foot tall wooden dam from the Puyallup River.

“The harm caused by this obsolete, 116-year-old dam in a river that supports threatened salmon runs far exceeds any possible benefit the owners might claim,” said Dammeier. “Electron Hydro deliberately placed artificial turf full of crumb rubber into the river, and that’s simply unacceptable. The damage to future salmon runs is impossible to measure.”

The Puyallup River Watershed is home to the only spring Chinook salmon run in the region, as well as other fish species.  Chinook salmon are a critical food source to orca whales.

The letter sent to Electron Hydro indicates the County’s previously issued stop work order will remain in effect and requires the company to immediately stabilize the site, remove the potentially toxic artificial turf and buried concrete culverts, along with a long list of other obligations.

Electron Hydro Letter

While specifying the series of mandated steps to mitigate the severe environmental damage caused by Electron Hydro, the County Executive intends to move forward with all parties and agencies involved to have the dam removed as soon as possible.


Electron Dam


Electron Dam

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in All News

District Court early closure on Nov. 17

Posted on: November 13, 2023

Fantasy Lights tickets go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 25, 2023

2023 general election at a glance

Posted on: October 5, 2023

Post-election audit of batches

Posted on: August 2, 2023
PCHS news - homeless

$2M awarded for homeless prevention

Posted on: July 18, 2023
housing news and events

ERPP Update for Landlords

Posted on: April 26, 2023

Help identify a Pierce County decedent

Posted on: February 3, 2023

Feb. 14 Special Election at a glance

Posted on: January 27, 2023

Chambers Bay resort development ends

Posted on: January 17, 2023
PCHS news

Calling all community service groups!

Posted on: November 9, 2022
Fall Prevention

Fall Prevention Awareness Day Event

Posted on: September 19, 2022

Annual Donut Dash 5K returns

Posted on: May 24, 2022
Key Peninsula Giveaway

Key Peninsula Giveaway

Posted on: May 5, 2022

Fantasy Lights opens Nov. 21

Posted on: November 17, 2020

District Court early closure, Sept. 16

Posted on: September 7, 2016
Labor Day

County observes Labor Day, Sept. 5

Posted on: September 2, 2016

Heat advisory notice and options

Posted on: August 18, 2016

Video News: Tourism Special

Posted on: August 18, 2016

Tips for staying safe on 4th of July

Posted on: June 30, 2016

Video News: Tourism Special

Posted on: June 2, 2016

Grandparenting has a new look

Posted on: June 1, 2016

Passing of Robin McKinney

Posted on: May 4, 2016

Jury duty scams on the rise

Posted on: April 8, 2016

Pierce County is looking to lease

Posted on: February 3, 2016

Board of Equalization seeks members

Posted on: January 13, 2016

Video News: Best of 2015

Posted on: December 29, 2015

Emergency Operations Center open

Posted on: December 9, 2015

Sheriff's Community Academy openings

Posted on: December 7, 2015