William Kenneth Cayo Sr., Violation of Water Pollution Control Act, Washington 2015

Tahuya, WA – A Mason County man has been sentenced to jail and ordered to pay significant fines for illegally altering the course of the Tahuya River near his property. William Kenneth Cayo Sr. was convicted by a jury in April 2015 and sentenced on April 17th for his brazen attempt to redirect the waterway.

According to court documents and statements from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cayo used heavy machinery – an excavator and bulldozer – in early February 2013 to fill and grade approximately 1 ½ acres of the riverbed. His actions effectively changed the river’s natural channel, impacting the surrounding ecosystem and potentially affecting downstream properties.

The case, prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office, resulted in a conviction on three counts: violation of the state’s Water Pollution Control Act, violation of the Shoreline Management Act, and conducting unpermitted hydraulic activities. Investigators determined Cayo undertook the extensive work without obtaining the necessary permits, disregarding established regulations designed to protect Washington’s vital waterways.

“Environmental crimes are a high priority for my office, and this kind of unpermitted work is unacceptable,” stated Attorney General Bob Ferguson following the sentencing. “If you break our laws and harm our environment, I will hold you accountable.” EPA Special Agent-in-Charge Jay M. Green echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the damage caused to both the environment and the state’s prized salmon and other aquatic wildlife.

While Cayo received a combined 334 days and 60 days suspended, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail on each of the three counts, to be served concurrently. He was also ordered to pay $8,143 in fines, and placed on two years of probation. The court stipulated that Cayo must adhere to all civil and criminal environmental laws moving forward. The total potential financial penalty, including suspended fines, amounts to $16,643.

The incident highlights the EPA’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who intentionally damage Washington’s natural resources. Authorities warn that similar attempts to manipulate waterways will be met with swift and severe legal consequences. This case serves as a stark reminder that altering the course of a river without proper authorization is not only illegal but also carries significant repercussions.

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Key Facts

Defendant: William Kenneth Cayo Sr.
Location: Tahuya, Washington
Date of Offense: February 2013
Charges: Violation of the Water Pollution Control Act, Violation of the Shoreline Management Act, and Conducting Unpermitted Hydraulic Activities.
Sentence: 30 days incarceration (concurrent), $8,143 in fines, 2 years probation, plus $8,500 in suspended fines.
Impact: Approximately 1 ½ acres of riverbed filled and graded, altering the natural course of the Tahuya River.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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