EPA v. City of Bakersfield

Case summary

Wetlands Enforcement Action against the City of Bakersfield; Kern River Violation: The EPA Wetlands Regulatory Office in Region 9 sent an Administrative Order to the City of Bakersfield, California, requiring mitigation for unauthorized discharges of dredged and fill material into the Kern River between the years of 2000 and 2002. In accordance with an agreement signed with Caltrans and Union Pacific Railroad, the City constructed three weirs and filled five acres of the river to protect the Golden State Highway Bridge and a Railroad Bridge from erosion. The Sacramento Corps District referred the case to EPA after the City's Water Resources Director repeatedly ignored their warnings to secure federal permits before proceeding with the work. The Order requires the City to restore ten acres of riparian habitat within the Kern River watershed.

Defendants (1)

• City of Bakersfield Water Resources DepartmentNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• CITY OF BAKERSFIELD WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

  1000 BUENA VISTA BLVD., BAKERSFIELD, CA, 93311

  Registry ID: 110015753674

Statutes cited

• CWA 404 — Permits for Dredge and Fill Material

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• City of Bakersfield Compliance Orderentered 2003-09-08

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2003-09-08Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2003-09-08Final Order Issued
• 2003-09-27Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2014-04-23Compliance Achieved
• 2014-06-27Enforcement Action Closed