Discovery of Artifacts Revealed as Cause for Opus Work Stoppage

A 77-acre development in the Port of Centralia was halted because newly discovered artifacts were found on the property, officials at the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation said Wednesday.

State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks said that Seattle-based Opus Northwest is in the midst of negotiations with local American Indian tribes over hiring an archaeological consultant to conduct a survey of the property.

Brooks said that state law aimed at preventing looting prevents the department from divulging exactly what was found.