Man used bulldozer in attempt to alter course of river

The Washington attorney general says a man used heavy machinery to fill and alter the course of the Tahuya River near his home without permits. William Cayo Sr. reportedly conducted hydraulic actives in connection with altering a channel of the river.



The AG says Cayo used an excavator and bulldozer to fill the river channel near his home in attempt to redirect the river. According to biologists, nearly 3 1/2 miles of river bed were moved to fill the active channel.

Unpermitted work can damage the riverbed and kill fish. A property owner can work with the county and other agencies to develop an effective hydraulic or shoreline under state law.



Cayo is charged charged in Mason County District Court with violation of the water pollution control act, violation of the shoreline management act, and conducting unpermitted hydraulic activities. The Tahuya River is a popular salmon run.