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Big Lake Man Complies with EPA Order to Restore Wetlands
Release Date: 7/11/2001
Contact Information: Mark Jen
[email protected]
(907) 271-3411
July 11, 2001 - - - - - - - - - - 01-020
The Alaska Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Chester A. Godin, Sr. of Big Lake, Alaska, has restored 40 acres of wetlands on his property.
In 1998, Mr. Godin constructed a network of drainage ditches on his property without obtaining a Federal wetlands permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is a violation of the Clean Water Act.
In April 1999, the EPA issued Mr. Godin an Adminstrative Compliance Order to remove the fill material he had placed in wetlands and to backfill the drainage ditches or potentially face penalties of up to $27,500 per day per violation of Section 309 of the Clean Water Act. By restoring the wetlands on his property, Mr. Godin has improved the hydrology of the area that drains into Meadow Creek and the habitat for a variety of bird and wildlife.
"The value of our wetlands in Alaska is often underestimated," said Marcia Combes, Director of EPA's Alaska Office in Anchorage. "EPA is pleased that Mr. Godin has taken the appropriate steps to correct his mistakes. We commend him for his efforts."
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