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Developers agree to replace, protect wetlands

Release Date: 9/25/2001
Contact Information:
800 227-8917 x6918,

Release Date: 9/25/2001
Contact Information:
800 227-8917 x6214,

Release Date: 9/25/2001
Contact Information:
800 227-8917 x6780

Denver -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached agreement with two development companies that will compensate for environmental damages at the Prairie Meadows development near South Minnesota Avenue and West 69th Street in Lincoln County, SD.

Last Minute Developers and Beckman Development Company will stop destroying wetlands during new construction, pay a $3,500 penalty and establish a conservation easement for new and existing wetlands so they will forever be protected from being developed, drained, disturbed or destroyed in any way. In addition to the $60,000 - $85,000 cost of replacing wetlands, the total value for the wetlands preservation work will be at least $36,500 including the cost of buying the conservation easement and the legal costs of granting the easement.

"EPA is taking this action to protect wetlands that are disappearing parcel by parcel. Rapid development pressure in the Sioux Falls area is causing large cumulative wetlands losses," EPA Enforcement Chief Carol Rushin said.

The Clean Water Act regulates construction in America's waterways through a permit system run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and enforced by the Corps and EPA. The law protects wetlands because they enhance water quality, replace groundwater, ease flooding, and provide wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and esthetic values. Permits help assure that work done in such areas takes appropriate measures to protect waterways and their surroundings. Neither development company had a permit for the work.

Property owners or contractors planning to do construction near wetlands and rivers should always contact their nearest Corps of Engineers regulatory office prior to starting work. For the Sioux Falls area, call (605) 224-8531 to determine whether a permit is required.