Specifically, Charleswood failed to implement best management practices to reduce the amount of sediment discharged from construction activities. The company also failed to conduct inspections at the required frequency.
“Charleswood’s alleged actions compromised water quality by ineffectively managing runoff from construction activities,” said Diane Sipe, Director of EPA Region 8’s Water Enforcement program. “EPA will continue to pursue those who violate laws that protect North Dakota’s waters.”
Under the consent decree, Charleswood will comply with all storm water requirements for the development, including maintaining permit coverage, implementing an appropriate Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, implementing best management practices and conducting inspections at the required frequency. The company will also pay a penalty of $37,500.
The Clean Water Act storm water regulations, in effect since 1990, were created to protect the nation’s surface waters from polluted runoff. Storm water runoff can carry pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, oil and grease, trash and sediment, from construction sites. Without proper management, these pollutants can enter nearby waters and adversely affect animal and plant life.
