7/3/2008
EPA fine assessed on Idaho Transportation Department based on technicalities
BOISE - A $325,000 fine levied by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against the Idaho Transportation Department focuses on technicalities and not how well Idaho's water is protected, Pamela Lowe, director of the transportation department, says.
In May 2006, EPA and the transportation department settled a lawsuit for violations of the Clean Water Act during the construction of the U.S. 95 Bellgrove to Mica project. As part of the settlement, the transportation department agreed to an on going, five-year review of its statewide efforts to comply with federal clean water regulations. The two agencies agreed July 3 to the fine after months of negotiations. The fines represent the EPA assessment during 2006.
"We are disappointed the EPA continues to focus on the technicalities of a complicated process rather than our efforts to keep Idaho's water clean," Lowe said. "I'm pleased how we have contained runoff from our construction projects and that no portion of the fine was for allowing dirty water into our streams, rivers and lakes."
The EPA fined the department for failing to complete forms correctly and sign documents, Lowe said. In several instances, the department was fined for submitting forms late. Then additional fines were levied for not reporting to the EPA Seattle office the forms would be late. Fines were also levied for third party inspectors not meeting EPA training requirements.
"We are working to correct the administrative issues identified by EPA," Lowe said. "We will also continue to work with the EPA to focus on results and keeping Idaho's water clean."