EPA v. Bird Ranch Consent Order

Case summary

On January 31, 2022, Region 9 entered into an AOC with Edward Lynn Brown regarding unauthorized discharge of fill into 2.71 acres of seasonal wetlands and vernal pool complexes at Respondent's farm in Merced, California, in violation of CWA section 301(a). As set forth in the AOC, Respondent will take certain measures with respect to jurisdictional waters: develop and implement a mitigation plan for removal of 1.9 acres of fill; restore and enhance 2.44 acres; and preserve an additional 12.66 acres within an 81-acre mitigation area. Respondent will also record a restrictive covenant over the mitigation area.

Defendants (1)

• Edward Lynn BrownNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• MERCED RANCH

  7450 G ST, MERCED, CA, 95340

  Registry ID: 110063600232

Statutes cited

• CWA 301 — NPDES Discharge without a Permit
• CWA 404 — Permits for Dredge and Fill Material

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Bird Ranch Consent Orderentered 2022-01-31

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2022-01-31Final Order Issued
• 2022-01-31Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2022-02-15Enforcement Action Data Entered