EPA, North Cascade Road Developers, LLC, Reach Settlement on Clean Water Act Violations at Development in Dubuque, Iowa
10/12/2016
Contact Information:
Mark Hanson (hanson.mark@epa.gov)
913-551-7788
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Lenexa, Kan., Oct. 12, 2016) - EPA Region 7 has reached a proposed administrative settlement with North Cascade Road Developers, LLC, to resolve violations of Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its Timber Hyrst Estates Residential Development in Dubuque, Iowa. As part of the settlement, the company has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $50,000. EPA conducted a stormwater inspection of the Timber Hyrst Estates Residential Development to evaluate compliance with the site’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NDPES) permit. EPA’s inspection identified several alleged CWA violations, including failure to develop and implement an adequate Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, failure to install or implement adequate stormwater control measures, and failure to conduct and document self-inspections.
Failure to ensure appropriate stormwater controls at the site resulted in the migration of sediment into South Fork Catfish Creek and its tributaries. The CWA seeks to protect streams and wetlands that form the foundation of the nation’s water resources. Protecting streams and wetlands is also part of adapting to climate change impacts like drought and stronger storms. The CWA also requires construction sites to have controls in place to limit pollution discharged via stormwater into nearby waterways.
Following the inspection, North Cascade Road Developers, LLC, took actions to address and correct the identified stormwater violations. Compliance with the terms of the permit will reduce the amount of sediment that is discharged from the development site into South Fork Catfish Creek.
EPA was able to reach agreement with North Cascade Road Developers, LLC, prior to the filing of a formal administrative complaint. EPA is proposing a Consent Agreement and Final Order in settlement of this matter, which is being placed on public notice. The proposed settlement with North Cascade Road Developers, LLC, is subject to a 40-day public comment period before it becomes final. Information on how to submit comments is available online at the link provided below.
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