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EPA cites developers for Clean Water Act violations at home construction sites in southeastern Pa.

Release Date: 11/7/2005
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited three real estate development companies for Clean Water Act violations during construction of housing developments in southeastern Pennsylvania. EPA alleges violations of federal environmental regulations designed to reduce polluted storm water runoff from construction sites.

In separate complaints, EPA proposes a $137,500 penalty against Gambone Development Co. for violations at a development in Hatfield Township, Pa.; a $42,000 penalty against Glenn Farms L.P. for violations at a development in East Norriton, Pa.; and a $54,000 penalty against Reserve at Springton LP for violations at a development in Spring Township, Pa.

Improperly managed storm water runoff from construction sites often contains high levels of sediment and suspended solids, and may also contain oxygen-demanding compounds and other pollutants. Under the Clean Water Act, operators of construction activities must get a permit from EPA or the state environmental agency before discharging storm water runoff into waterways. These permits require an erosion and sedimentation control plan that specifies using controls such as sedimentation basins and traps, silt fencing, and soil stabilization.

As summarized below, the cited companies did not comply with the erosion and sedimentation plans as required in Pennsylvania’s general permit for construction-related storm water discharges.

Gambone Development Co.: EPA seeks a $137,500 penalty against Gambone for violations at The Arbors housing development in Hatfield Township, Montgomery Co., Pa. Storm water runoff from this site discharges into the West Branch of Neshaminy Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River. Inspections from September 2003 to June 2005 documented violations including failure to install erosion controls and sediment basins; improper installation and inadequate maintenance of sediment basins; failure to divert storm water runoff into sediment basins; inadequate installation and maintenance of silt fences; soil disturbances; and removal of erosion controls before soil stabilization.

Glenn Farms: EPA proposes a $42,000 penalty against Glenn Farms LP for violations at the 22-acre “Pimlico Farms” housing development in East Norriton, Montgomery Co., Pa. Storm water runoff from the Pimlico Farms site discharges into a tributary of Wissahickon Creek, which flows into the Schuylkill River. Inspections in April, May and June 2005 documented violations including failure to complete the sediment basin, sediment trap, and diversion channels before land-clearing and earth-moving activities; inadequate maintenance of the sediment basin, diversion channel and silt fencing; and inadequate stabilization of sediment trap and stockpiles.

Reserve at Springton LP: EPA proposes a $54,000 penalty against Reserve at Springton LP for violations at “Broadcasting Ridge,” a 50-acre housing development in Spring Township, Berks Co., Pa. Storm water runoff from the site discharges into a tributary of Tulpehocken Creek, which flows into the Schuylkill River. Inspections from April to November 2004 documented violations including inadequate erosion controls for swales; inadequate maintenance of construction entrances; lack of silt fencing around stockpiles; and unavailable inspection reports.

The cited companies have the right to a hearing to the contest the alleged violations and proposed penalties. For more information about pollution and storm water runoff from construction sites, visit https://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/const.cfm