EPA Reaches Storm Water Settlement with Sagewood, LLC

Sagewood, LLC, located in Driggs, Idaho, has agreed to pay a $20,000 penalty to settle alleged storm water violations under the Clean Water Act (CWA). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the violations occurred at the Sagewood Subdivision Construction Site, located at Ski Hill Road and 5th in Driggs, Idaho.

The settlement resolves alleged Clean Water Act violations that include the failure to obtain a Construction General Permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the discharge of sediment from the construction site into an irrigation canal which is connected to the Teton Creek. The Teton Creek flows into the Teton River which is a tributary of the Snake River.

"While many builders and developers are doing a good job, there are some who are ignoring this important storm water requirement,” said Jim Werntz, EPA’s Director of Idaho Operations. “Builders and developers need to obtain the right permits before they start work or, like Sagewood, they will face fines. EPA takes protecting Idaho waters very seriously.”

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program controls water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.