State lawmakers and Centralia’s mayor are calling for immediate action from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in response to alarming nitrate levels found in a local aquifer associated with the nearby Bob Oke Game Farm. Recent testing revealed nitrate concentrations reaching almost four times the maximum allowable limit, raising significant health concerns for approximately 70 homes in the Fords Prairie area, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants.
During a recent town hall meeting, officials underscored the urgency of addressing this contamination, with estimates suggesting that improvements to the aquifer’s water quality could take between seven and 19 years. Elected leaders expressed frustration with the agency’s ongoing prioritization of hunting services over community health and safety, urging comprehensive mitigation efforts and considering drastic measures including relocating the game farm. The stakes are high, as exposure to these elevated nitrate levels poses serious health risks, including a condition known as “blue baby syndrome.”
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