Two north Idaho developers recently settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for just over $9,000 for violating the storm water provisions of the federal Clean Water Act.
Black Rock Development settled for $2,700 for violations at its Black Rock North Golf Course on Loffs Bay Road in Coeur d'Alene. Pend Oreille Bonner Development, LLC settled for $6,400 for violations at its Hidden Lakes Golf Course expansion and residential development located off Highway 200 on Lower Pack River Road in Sandpoint.
Both developers violated EPA’s Construction General Permit (CGP) for storm water discharges from construction activities. Due to complaints and concerns received from the public, EPA also requested that Black Rock conduct additional monitoring of its storm water discharges from its construction site.
“Polluted storm water run off resulting from poor construction practices negatively impacts our lakes, rivers and streams,” said James Werntz, EPA’s Idaho Operations Office Director. “These practices can create conditions harmful to aquatic life, and even human health.”
The companies’ storm water violations included: Deficiencies in each of their Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs); Failure to conduct and document self-inspections as required by the CGP; and Inadequate controls to prevent pollution in storm water runoff.
Storm water permits are issued as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), established by the Clean Water Act. The permits are a key tool in preventing water pollution and protecting the quality of Northwest lakes, rivers and streams.
Source: EPA
