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EPA Seeks $44,000 Penalty in Clean Water Act Complaint Against Cranberry Commons

Release Date: 10/6/1999
Contact Information: Donna M. Heron, 215-814-5113

Donna M. Heron, 215-814-5113

CRANBERRY Twp., Pa. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Cranberry Commons Joint Venture, LP for discharging fill material into wetlands and stream channels near the Cranberry Commons retail facility in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

According to EPA’s administrative complaint, starting in May 1999 Cranberry Commons filled in over 3.3 acres of protected wetlands and 2,840 feet of stream channels without a required permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. EPA seeks a $44,000 penalty for this alleged violation.

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, pollution prevention, and wildlife habitat protection.

Cranberry Common allegedly applied for a permit but started dredging and filling work before the permit was issued. The complaint also alleges that the company violated certain permit requirements, including the need for the company to obtain a surety bond for any necessary wetlands reclamation resulting from this work.

The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalty.