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BRAINERD -The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has penalized Cass County and Tri-City Paving for stormwater violations resulting from a culvert replacement project on County Highway 17, about four miles west of Pequot Lakes, Minn.

According to MPCA staff inspection reports, violations included failing to install sediment control structures around the project perimeter, and improperly dewatering the site into area wetlands and nearby Mayo Creek. These violations allowed sediment and sediment-laden runoff to enter the wetlands and the creek.

The violations were discovered during inspections in August 2012. In addition to paying a $38,000 penalty, the construction site was brought into compliance with stormwater rules and regulations before the project was completed.

When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violation affected the environment, whether it is a first time or repeat violation, and how promptly the violation was reported to appropriate authorities. It also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner. For a comprehensive list of enforcement actions by the MPCA, refer to the agency Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us.[[In-content Ad]]

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