Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club Denies Claims Regarding Lead Pollution

On Aug. 17, Burnham Construction filed a lawsuit against Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club. Its lawyer said investigations found samples immediately downstream of the Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club that had lead concentrations 900 times higher than the State’s water quality criteria. (.)

Here's the response from the Gig Harbor Sportsan's Club President Le Rodenberg. The following press release was issued to Patch on Monday:

The has received a copy of the . When contacted by the Gateway last week, the Club had not received the complaint.

According to Club president Le Rodenberg, Mr. Perrow’s statements are not accurate.

“Mr. Perrow apparently is not aware that we have worked closely with the Department of Ecology to assure that our Club does not cause any environmental harm. There is in fact no indication whatsoever of any contamination in the sediments of North Creek or Donkey Creek. Tests by the Department of Ecology actually show that our activities have not caused any environmental harm.”  

Mr. Rodenberg stated that the Sportsman’s Club is a good citizen, and enjoys a great deal of support in the community, but that there are those who would like to see the Club closed, especially people with an interest in residential development in the area. Mr. Perrow is a developer and owns property directly adjacent to the Club. 

Many of the commercial fishermen who worked to establish a salmon run in Donkey Creek are members of the Sportsman’s Club.

“They don’t think that Mr. Perrow really understands or cares much about the fish or the creek beyond what personal or commercial benefit it my bring him,” said Mr. Rodenberg.

The Department of Ecology has not sent the Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club any notice that they are potentially responsible for contamination. According to attorney Clark Davis, who represents the Sportsman’s Club, this is a clear indication that the Club has not caused any contamination.