EPA orders Allen Marine Inc. of Sitka, AK to Restore Tidelands
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an
administrative compliance order directing Allen Marine, Inc. of Sitka,
Alaska to restore tidelands five miles north of Sitka, Alaska, in Sitka
Sound, adjacent to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal. The Order
is to resolve a Clean Water Act violation for unauthorized dredge and
fill activities that occurred between June and August 2005. The Order
requires Allen Marine to complete restoration in 60 days or face fines
up to $32,500 per day.
The EPA alleges that Allen Marine, Inc. used heavy equipment
and placed approximately 3,700 cubic yards of rock and gravel into
Sitka Sound’s intertidal area in violation of the of the Clean Water
Act (CWA). Allen Marine never obtained a permit from the Corps of
Engineers. The property is owned by Mr. David C. Allen, Mr. Robert E.
Allen, Jr., and Allen Marine, Inc.
According to Marcia Combes, EPA’s Director of Alaska Operations,
this action demonstrates the importance of obtaining a CWA permit
before working on shorelines or in wetlands. Allen Marine is very
familiar with the CWA permitting program having obtained nine permits
in the past.
“Inter tidal nearshore habitats and wetlands are vital links in
nature’s ability to purify water and provide habitat for fish and
wildlife,” said Combes. “Anytime someone is thinking of altering a
shoreline or wetland, they have to contact the Corps of Engineers,
request a permit, and find out if it can be done without harm to the
environment.”