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New Albany Links developers to restore wetlands destroyed while building golf course

Release Date: 11/21/2006
Contact Information: Phillippa Cannon, (312) 353-6218, cannon.phillippa@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06 - OPA221

CHICAGO (Nov. 21, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 announced it has reached a settlement with developers of the New Albany Links Golf Course in New Albany, Ohio, on Clean Water Act violations. The developers paid a $115,000 penalty Nov. 16 and agreed to partially restore affected streams and wetlands at a golf course, and further restore an additional 36 acres of wetlands within the watershed that will be permanently preserved and protected. The developers also agreed to fully comply with the Clean Water Act and obtain necessary permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

EPA cited New Albany Links Golf Company, New Albany Links Development Company Ltd. and Joseph Ciminello for filling in 7.8 acres of wetlands and affecting Sugar Run while developing an 18-hole golf course and housing development. EPA alleges the developers failed to obtain the required permit from the Corps of Engineers before filling in Sugar Run and adjacent wetlands. The Corps twice notified the developers to stop dredging and filling work at the site, but work continued.

Wetlands perform important functions in the environment. They filter pollutants from water, recharge water supplies, help reduce flooding and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. They include marshes, swamps, bogs and similar areas between water and dry land.