The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a complaint against property owner Frank Alo for dumping material and damaging wetlands in Hauʻula.
Based on inspections from the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alo discharged approximately 200 truckloads of gravel, asphalt, clay, dirt and other fill material to wetlands on his property and four adjoining properties.
Under the Clean Water Act, fill material cannot be discharged into water bodies without a permit from the USACE.
“One of the principal objectives of the Clean Water Act is to avoid and minimize impacts to waters of the U.S., including wetlands,” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Regulatory Chief David Hobbie said in a statement. “Wetlands support a diverse ecosystem and provides important functions such as flood protection, improved water quality and habitat for native birds.”
He faces penalties of up to $282,293.
The EPA complaint is open to public comment until August 6th.
