FDA WARNING_LETTER - Port of Cascade Locks - October 03, 2012

On December 31, 2012, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Port of Cascade Locks, changing its watering point classification from "Approved" to "Provisional" for interstate carrier use. This action followed an October 2-3, 2012, inspection under the Public Health Service Act, which revealed significant violations of 21 CFR Part 1250, Interstate Conveyance Sanitation regulations.

The inspection identified two primary violations of 21 CFR 1250.67(a), concerning the prevention of water contamination: 1. The potable water system, including the boat launch, 36-slip private vessel marina, river cruise dock, and approximately 30 hose bib connections, lacked adequate backflow prevention to protect against contamination. 2. The Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) intended to protect the port's water system was not subjected to annual testing to ensure proper operation.

During the inspection, the Port of Cascade Locks indicated plans to map the water system, hire a professional plumber, review water outlets for required backflow protection, and test the DCVA. However, the FDA had not received documentation of these corrective actions.

The "Provisional" classification allows continued operation for 30 days, after which a re-inspection will occur. Failure to make significant corrections by then will result in a "Non-Approved" classification, prohibiting interstate conveyances from obtaining water from