EPA settles with developers

The Environmental Protection Agency has settled with seven firms and individuals accused of violating the Clean Water Act at construction sites in North Idaho.

EPA found the violations during routine inspections last fall in the Sandpoint area. The violations resulted in fines ranging from $8,000 to $14,000.

Inspectors observed violations at all of the sites, including failure to apply for coverage under the nationwide storm water construction general permit and failure to use erosion and sediment controls necessary to prevent polluted run off and protect water quality.

"We were surprised by the number of unpermitted operators and by the poor storm water management practices at these sites," said Kim Ogle, manager of EPA's Permit Compliance Unit in Seattle.

The inspections resulted in expedited settlement offers at the following four sites.

- Cedars at Sandcreek, Cedars at Sand Creek, Earthworks Northwest, $14,750

- Floyd McGhee, First Addition to Kootenai Ht., Normco, $13,000

- Sandpoint Construction Co., Maddy Lane Lots, $9,000

- Timber Ridge Invest, The Falls at Hayden Lake, Idaho Granite Works, $8,200