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U.S. EPA reaches agreement with Shasta County building developer to help fund stream restoration project in Redding

Release Date: 11/3/2005
Contact Information: Mark Merchant, (415) 947-4297

SAN FRANCISCO -- To address violations of the federal Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that a Shasta County developer has agreed to fund a local watershed group repairing a creek damaged by the construction of new homes.

Terra Nova Development of Palo Cedro, Calif. is building a residential subdivision known as the Vistas on 128 acres off Quartz Hill Road in Redding.

During site inspections in September 2004 and January 2005, EPA officials discovered that construction workers had placed fill material from construction into wetlands and tributaries to Sulfur Creek without a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

It is a violation of the Clean Water Act to place dredged or fill material in wetlands, rivers or streams without a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The EPA estimates that approximately 1.29 acres of the stream network were damaged by the fill.

Under the agreement with the EPA, Terra Nova will fund restoration activities in Sulfur Creek. Terra Nova's total contribution of $180,937 will fund work - including the improvement of fish habitat and management of non-native plant species - being conducted by the Sacramento Watershed Action Group with support from the city of Redding.

"Although Terra Nova's unauthorized activities damaged a valuable natural resource, we are pleased the company will now play an important part in helping restore and enhance the watershed," said Alexis Strauss, director of the EPA's Water Division for the Pacific Southwest Region. "This agreement assists the local community with important environmental work and ensures Terra Nova will comply fully with the Clean Water Act."

Terra Nova must also apply for an after-the-fact permit for the fill activities at the Vistas from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/region9/water/enforcement.html