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EPA Seeks Penalty from Anne Arundel County DPW and Peak, Inc. in Wetlands Complaint

Release Date: 9/19/2000
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

ODENTON, Md. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works (AADPW) and a road construction contractor, Peak, Inc., for discharging fill material into federally protected wetlands.

According to EPA, from December 1999 to the present, AADPW and Peak unlawfully filled in about 0.39 acres of wetlands during a road construction project related to the planned Odenton Town Center, located off MD Rt. 175 in Odenton, Anne Arundel County, Md.

EPA’s Clean Water Act complaint seeks a $27,500 penalty for these parties’ alleged failure to obtain a required permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before beginning this project.

Under the Clean Water Act, a Army Corps of Engineers permit is required before dredged or fill material may be discharged into wetlands areas. The permit requirement is designed to minimize the destruction of wetlands, which serve a number of critical environmental and economic functions -- including flood control, water filtration, and wildlife habitat..

The parties have the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violation and proposed penalty.