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EPA Cites Wetlands Violations at Pa. Residence

Release Date: 1/28/2002
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a complaint against a Northampton County resident for unlawfully dumping fill material in wetlands and a waterway in his property in Moore Township, Pa.

EPA’s complaint seeks a $27,500 penalty for Mr. Paul Bucha’s alleged failure to obtain a required Clean Water Act permit before dumping fill material in 1.91 acres and 941 linear feet of a stream channel. EPA also ordered Mr. Bucha to restore the affected wetlands according to an EPA-approved plan, with sedimentation and erosion control safeguards approved by the Northampton County Conservation District. According to EPA’s complaint, the dumping began in August 1998 and is related to the construction of several ponds and clearing of forested wetlands for the construction of a barn.

Under the Clean Water Act, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit is required before dredged or fill material may be discharged into wetlands or waterways. The permit requirement is designed to minimize the destruction of these natural resources, which serve a number of critical environmental and economic functions -- including flood control, water filtration, and wildlife habitat. It is important to note, that more than half of our country’s valuable wetlands in the lower 48 states have been destroyed since settlers arrived in the1700s.

Mr. Bucha has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violation and proposed penalty.