I think it is just basically exempted each year. About 15 years ago WDFW was (for the umpteenth time) trying to find a site in deep South Sound to use as base for that production. The Deschutes hatchery, in Pioneer Park, was supposed to do this. It was also supposed to bring the Tumwater Falls Chinook production into Cleanwater Act compliance for hatchery discharges.
It is, i believe, simply easier to keep doing what has been done than it is to get the funding, get the permits, and so onto build a new facility of facilities that would meet current rules.
This worked well so long as the Chehalis basin folks kept quiet.
Thinking out loud here. With the demise and demo of the paper mill at Chambers Bay there is both land and freshwater at that location. To the best of my knowledge that spring water has no existing fish in it and dumps directly into the estuary.
When I last brought that up to a WDFW staffer I was told that they were more interested in expanding at the existing hatchery operation on Chambers Creek (the old game farm) in Lakewood. He also said that would occur only if and when the tidewater dam is removed.
Are they missing an opportunity at Chambers Bay?
Edit: Maybe something to ask Ryan Lothrop at his Tuesday night presentation:
http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/forum...html#Post882979 
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