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Northampton County puts Stone Ridge Meadows developer on notice

Already in hot water with residents angry about poor drainage, the developer of a residential subdivision in Allen Township now faces possible penalties from Northampton County, which said he has failed to comply with permit requirements.Representatives of the Northampton County Conservation District reported that a site inspection last week at Stone Ridge Meadows found developer Tim Livingood violated Department of Environmental Protection regulations.A report dated May 24 and forwarded by the district to Livingood and the township indicates earthmoving at the site violates the Clean Streams Law of Pennsylvania and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.“If future inspections reveal that required corrective actions have not been made and additional violations have occurred, the district may initiate enforcement action,” wrote Kristina Heaney, a conservation specialist who conducted the inspection.Livingood was not present Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.The district, which is authorized to investigate complaints on behalf of the DEP, said the developer failed to meet several permit requirements, including developing a postconstruction stormwater management plan, stabilizing the earth disturbance site, and maintaining best management practices.Site conditions also show the potential to pollute nearby waterways, the report states.Civil penalties are up to $10,000 per day, up to $10,000 for summary criminal penalties, and up to $25,000 for misdemeanor criminal penalties per violation.Livingood has drawn the ire of residents of the community of roughly 100 twin homes, who complained about flooding in their yards and basements at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday. Several also spoke out at the board’s meeting May 14.Amparo Morris, of Graystone Circle, said there is still standing water in the stormwater detention basin behind her home, as there was when she complained at the prior meeting.It’s up to the conservation district and not the township to provide enforcement, Chairman Larry Oberly said.The township is holding security that will not be released to Livingood until he fixes the problems, which include finishing roads in the development before they can be turned over to the township.“We have no plans of releasing any money until this is straightened out,” Supervisor Dale Hassler said.Resident Diane Larlir said many of the homeowners have children who are being bitten by mosquitoes, and have water and mud in their basements.She said they’ll continue to bring their concerns to the township.“We’re not going away,” she said.Kevin Duffy is a freelance writer for The Morning Call.
Source: Morningcall

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