SPOKANE – The Washington Department of Ecology fined a Spokane County farmer $100,000 for unauthorized irrigation activities at Wild Rose Prairie near Deer Park. The farmer, Robert H. Greiff, was penalized for 20 days of illegal irrigation between June 12 and July 25 of this year.
This issue has persisted for more than six years. In 2024, penalties totaled $21,000. Despite warnings, Greiff continued to irrigate without permission by using a spring tributary to Dragoon Creek, part of the Little Spokane River watershed.
“For years, we’ve seen repeated violations and a disregard for bringing this property into compliance,” said Jaime Short, water resources section manager for Ecology’s Eastern Region.
Ecology first noted unpermitted irrigation on Greiff’s property in 2019, issuing multiple warnings and a cease-and-desist order in June 2023. Despite this, illegal irrigation continued, leading to fines of $6,000 in June 2024 and $15,000 in August 2024. Unpaid penalties resulted in a property lien through Spokane County Superior Court.
Unpermitted irrigation affects legal water use, recreation, and native species fisheries in the Little Spokane River watershed, which frequently experiences low flows. This summer, nearly 160 water permit holders were shut off early to protect streamflows.
Greiff has 30 days to pay the fine or appeal to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.
