EPA Settles With Driggs Developer

By Carlson, Brad

Sagewood LLC, of Driggs, agreed to pay a $20,000 penalty to settle alleged storm water violations under the federal Clean Water Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said violations occurred at the Sagewood Subdivision construction site at Ski Hill Road and Fifth in Driggs.

The settlement resolves alleged violations including failure to obtain a Construction General Permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, and discharge of sediment from the construction site into an irrigation canal connected to Teton Creek, EPA said in a release. Teton Creek flows into the Teton River, a tributary of the Snake River.

While many builders and developers are doing a good job, some are ignoring the important storm water requirement, said Jim Werntz, EPA’s director of Idaho operations. Builders and developers must obtain the right permits before the start work, to avoid fines, he said.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program controls water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the U.S., EPA said.

Credit: Brad Carlson

(Copyright 2007 Dolan Media Newswires)

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