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EPA orders restoration of Ripley County wetland

Release Date: 08/06/2009
Contact Information: Phillippa Cannon, 312-353-6218, cannon.phillippa@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 09-OPA147

(Chicago, Ill. - Aug. 6, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Lucille and Thomas Warfield, Versailles, Ind., for allegedly discharging dredged material and debris into about 22 acres of forested wetland adjacent to Little Graham Creek in Ripley County, Ind.

The Warfields have agreed to restore 4 acres of forested wetland to its original condition; plant, maintain and protect a 16 acre riparian corridor along the creek and two of its tributaries; and legally protect those areas and approximately 11 acres of existing wetland with a conservation easement. The Warfields have already performed a significant portion of this work.

Wetlands provide important functions in the environment by naturally filtering pollutants in water that runs through them, reducing the frequency and intensity of flooding by acting as a buffer, and providing habitat for wildlife, birds and aquatic creatures.