Developer fined for Gray project erosion

May. 18, 2005
By S. Heather Duncan
Telegraph Staff Writer

A Byron developer received a $20,000 fine from state environmental regulators for failing to prevent erosion that muddied a stream at the Fox Creek subdivision being built in Gray.

Developer Wendell Parker is also being required to install erosion controls, remove dirt from the unnamed creek feeding Commissioner Creek, and restore its stream banks, said Patricia Kitchens, who runs the Macon office of the Environmental Protection Division.

"There was a substantial amount of sediment in the creek," said Keith Carroll, EPD environmental specialist.

Developers are required to follow "best management practices," such as installing fences to catch silt and "rip rap," usually rocks, on steep banks to slow the flow of runoff water and protect soil.
"They had virtually no BMPs," said Clayton Bristol, EPD environmental specialist. "It's one of the worst we've seen in the last year."

Parker did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Bristol said Parker told the EPD he had not installed erosion controls because he was waiting until after he was done paving the road to the subdivision off Gray Highway. State regulations require controls whenever land disturbance occurs.

Parker had caused erosion problems, at his Tobe Creek subdivision in Bibb County and had received training on proper use of best management practices, Bristol said. EPD officials said part of the reason the fine was high is because the training had made Parker aware of the rules, but he ignored them.

"We'd appreciate more cooperation and people doing the things they're supposed to do," Bristol said.

Kitchens said the Macon EPD office has hired new employees who are being trained in identifying erosion violations.

"We are going to do a lot more routine inspections, as well as (responding to) complaints," she said.