This past July, the Webster County Economic Development Authority was fined $4,750.00 for alleged violations of state environmental protection laws.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection claimed that the Authority violated its water pollution control permit for the water line construction on Route 15/20 near Grassy Creek Road. The WV DEP claimed that the Authority failed to prevent muddy run offs into Grassy Creek and along the Barrenshe road drains. In addition, solid waste and demolition material was not properly disposed.
The work on the water line project was actually performed by sub-contractors for the Authority, but the Authority is the agency responsible to make sure the sub-contractors perform the work in accordance with environmental laws.
Gary Weir, the head of Webster's Economic Development Authority, signed a consent order with the DEP agreeing to pay the $4,750.00 fine. The Authority proposed to pay the fine by giving $2,500.00 to Camden on Gauley (to help cover the cost of work reclaiming torn down buildings on Main Street) and pay $2,250.00 to the state.
Here is a link to the consent order signed on June 20, 2012 by Weir:
http://www.dep.wv.gov/pio/Documents/Settlements%20and%20Orders/Webster%20Co%20EDA.pdf
While your story is accurate, it leaves out some important details. As you mentioned, the construction was performed by a water line construction company. Per their contract, they are responsible for complying with all laws and environmental regulations. Since they failed to comply with all environmental regulations as evidenced by the DEP report, they were required to correct all problems and the fine amount of $4,750 was withheld by the Webster County E.D.A. from payment to the contractor. Although the Webster County E.D.A. is the responsible party, the fine was the responsibility of the construction company because of their failure to properly fulfill the contract. Additionally, the Webster County E.D.A. was notified by the DEP of this violation in a letter dated Aug 22, 2011 and the corrections were completed by the contractor by mid-Sept 2011 as directed by the DEP. A re-inspection by the DEP showed that all work was completed and in compliance with their regulations.
ReplyDeleteGeary Weir, Executive Director
Webster County E.D.A.
Thanks for the additional information. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, as well as suggestions on news stories and improvements to the site.
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