For immediate release: November 26, 2007 (07-203)

Contacts:
Rich Sarver, Office of Drinking Water 360-236-3093
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

State moves to discipline water operator at Toppenish beef plant

OLYMPIA ¾ The state Department of Health has issued notice of intent to suspend the license of the water system operator at a Toppenish beef-processing plant. The agency took the action based on allegations she failed to adequately warn employees about E. coli contamination in the plant’s drinking water in June.

The agency contends that Sherry Byers-Eddy, the certified water-works operator at Washington Beef LLC, jeopardized the health of nearly 800 employees and inspectors by waiting several days to post state-required warnings where employees would see them.

Byers-Eddy is contesting the charges and has asked for a formal hearing. The suspension, which was to take effect today, is on hold until the case is resolved. She may continue working while her case is under review. If she loses the appeal, the agency will suspend her license for six months.

“Water system operators are on the front line of public health protection and we expect them to take that responsibility seriously,” said Denise Clifford, director of the agency’s Office of Drinking Water. “We respect her due-process rights to appeal and we will see this case through.”

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