North Carolina's Division of Water Quality has fined a Raleigh developer $80,166 for failing to control sediment runoff from a construction project, clogging a Neuse River tributary.
Arland Community Development's negligence has caused the tributary to "choke from more than three feet of red clay and topsoil," according to Tommy Stevens, director of the DWQ. The division has listed more than 75 violations against the developer for its Delta Ridge Project.
The DWQ's Raleigh Regional Office found extensive damage along the tributary during a spot check of area building projects in May. In July, DWQ's Environmental Sciences Branch visited the site and conducted a biological assessment. The biologists reported that a temporary stream crossing near the construction area caused sediments to accumulate.
"They have failed to maintain erosion control structures and make needed changes out there," said Ken Schuster, water quality supervisor for the Raleigh Regional Office. "Runoff has cut gashes through the hillsides and the sedimentation basin has washed out. It's one of the worst cases we've seen."
"This project is way out of line and we fully intend to see this mess cleaned up and the creek restored," Stevens said.
(Source: Environment News Service)
