All News Releases By Date

 

Damaged Wetland in Ketchikan to be Restored

Release Date: 7/10/2000
Contact Information: Steve Roy
roy.steve@epamail.epa.gov
(206) 553-6221

July 10, 2000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 00-036

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved an intertidal restoration work plan submitted by William J. Smart, Sr., of Ketchikan, Alaska. The work plan was required by a Compliance Order issued by EPA to Smart in May, detailing violations of the Clean Water Act as the result of filling an intertidal area with rock in 1997 without a permit.

The compliance order alleges that Smart filled .3 acres of intertidal area of Tongass Narrows on his Gravina Island property in September of 1997. The fill was to provide a foundation for a home and a walkway on his 2 acre property.

“The tidelands around Gravina Island are critical habitat,” said Marcia Combes, Director of EPA’s Alaska Office. “If people are planning work in tidelands or wetlands, they need to obtain a permit from the Corps of Engineers. The permitting process allows the public to review the work and suggest alternatives. In this case, Mr. Smart has other alternatives available rather than filling that area of the Tongass Narrows.”

The restoration work will include removing all the fill material from below the high tide line. Smart will also anchor pilings above the mean high water mark, upon which he can continue building his home. Work is planned to begin July 5 and be completed by August 5, 2000. The restoration work does not preclude future penalties.

According to Combes, this is not the first time development on Gravina Island has run afoul of the Clean Water Act.

“Last year Mr. Brad Miller, a neighbor of Mr. Smart, agreed to a $22,000 penalty settlement following allegations of discharging material into the Tongass Narrows,” said Combes. “We’d like to see folks working with us early on with their development plans, to get it right the first time around and avoid costly penalties and restoration work.”