CUSTER, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Whatcom County gun range is under fire for letting lead bullets escape its property.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services has issued a violation notice to the Custer Sportsman’s Club after a multi-year investigation found lead bullets and fragments from the club’s shooting range landing on neighboring property.

Officials say more than a hundred bullets were discovered off the property during the investigation, despite ongoing communication with the club. Under state law, those fragments are considered solid waste and must be contained on-site.

The county held an administrative hearing to review the evidence before issuing the notice last week.
The club now has until December 30th to stop the problem and submit a corrective plan. If lead continues to escape after that date, fines could reach $125 per day.

Environmental Health Manager Sue Sullivan says the goal is to keep lead contained while supporting the range’s long-term operation as a safe resource for the community.