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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2005

 

Contact: Erin Phalon
(609) 984-1795

 

DEP FINES PULTE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES $555,000 FOR FAILURE
TO COMPLY WITH FRESHWATER WETLANDS DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

(05/102) TRENTON -- Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) fined Pulte Lifestyle Communities, Inc. $555,000 for violations of the state's Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act at its Franklin Township, Somerset County construction site.

"Developers and builders are hereby on notice: DEP is actively monitoring compliance with the conditions of land use permits statewide," said Commissioner Campbell. "Builders who disregard permit limits and safeguards, as Pulte did in this case, will face significant fines and penalties."

Pulte failed to comply with a DEP permit which authorized the developer to disturb 1.3 acres of freshwater wetlands and transition areas in order to construct 499 homes, various roadways and utilities including underground electric wires, sewers and water pipes. The permit required Pulte to minimize impacts to sensitive environmental areas and comply with the permit's conditions and limitations.

Rather than comply with the limitations of its permit, Pulte disturbed approximately 3.3 acres of freshwater wetlands and transition areas during construction of the subdivision. Disturbing freshwater wetlands jeopardizes water quality, flood control and the maintenance of groundwater during droughts.

Pulte also failed to file deed restrictions in Somerset County prior to initiating construction activities, which prevents interested parties from reviewing the permit and subsequent owners from determining which parts of the site are restricted from future development.

Also, Pulte exceeded the scope of its permit by clearing land within stream buffer zones, which can negatively impact water quality and cause excessive sedimentation.

In addition to paying the $555,000 penalty, Pulte Homes must restore the disturbed wetlands and comply with all conditions of its permit. Pulte on May 5 submitted a restoration plan, which the Department approved on May 11, 2005.

Pulte may request an adminsitrative hearing to contest the violations and penalty issued by DEP.

 

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