EPA v. HANCOCK COUNTY LAND ACQUISTIONS, LLC (HCLA)

Case summary

FEBRUARY 14, 2022 - CONSENT AGREEMENT: Beginning in 2015, and ending in or around June 2016, the previous owner of the prope1iy, Wet Mine Assets Holding, LLC (WMAH), directed certain earth moving activities at the Site to reestablish a previously existing access trail to this prope1iy so that WMAH could better patrol and prevent trespassing and illegal dumping on its property. This work included, but was not limited to, mechanical land-clearing of forested wetlands, construction and maintenance of drainage ditches and roads. To date, the unauthorized dredge and/or fill material remains in waters of the United States. On or after June 15, 2016, Respondent was the owner and/or operator of the Site, which contains the Discharge Area. The unauthorized activities impacted approximately 1.58 acres of forested wetlands. The wetlands on the Site are part of a contiguous wetland system and are hydrologically connected to Turtleskin Creek, a relatively permanent water. Turtleskin Creek flows into Mikes River, and then into the Pearl River, a navigable water of the United States.

Defendants (1)

• HANCOCK COUNTY LAND ACQUISTIONS, LLC (HCLA)Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• HANCOCK COUNTY LAND ACQUISITIONS, LLC

  105 STREET A, PICAYUNE, MS, 39466

  Registry ID: 110070890703

Statutes cited

• CWA 404 — Permits for Dredge and Fill Material

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• HANCOCK COUNTY LAND ACQUISTIONS, LLC (HCLA)entered 2022-02-14

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $14,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2022-01-14Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2022-02-14Final Order Issued
• 2022-03-14Enforcement Action Data Entered