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Lamb Creek wetlands to be restored in Idaho

Release Date: 12/06/2007
Contact Information: John Olson, (208) 378-5756, EPA/Idaho, olson.john@epa.gov or Tony Brown, (206) 553-1203, EPA/Seattle, brown.anthony@epa.gov

(Priest Lake, Idaho – Dec. 6, 2007) Chantell and Michael Sackett, residents near Priest Lake, Idaho have been ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore damaged wetlands on their property near Lamb Creek, Bonner County, Idaho.

EPA issued the Sacketts an Administrative Compliance Order to resolve a Clean Water Act violation for unauthorized dredge and fill activities that occurred in the spring of 2007. The Order requires fill to be removed, wetland soil returned, and the site replanted with wetland vegetation no later than April 30, 2008, or pay fines as high as $32,500 per day.

The EPA complaint alleges that the Sackett’s used heavy equipment to fill approximately one half acre of wetlands on their property, located at 1604 Kalispell Bay Road near Lamb Creek, Bonner County, Idaho, without a required Clean Water Act permit. According to documents associated with the case, the Sackett’s were filling the site to create a building site on their property.

According to James Werntz, EPA’s Idaho state director, this action demonstrates the importance of securing the proper permits before working in wetlands.

“Wetlands are vital links in nature’s ability to purify water and provide fish and wildlife habitat,” said Werntz. “Responsible property development includes obtaining the proper permits in advance and minimizing environmental harm during and after the project.”