The Department of Environmental Quality has entered into an Administrative Consent Order with Smith Paving of Marquette to resolve water resources protection violations, including discharges of soil and sediment to waters of the state resulting from construction activity at the Smith Paving construction site off of U.S. 41 in Marquette Township dating back to 1999.

" It is the responsibility of the property owner to prevent soil erosion from flowing offsite and discharging to Michigan's water resources," said DEQ Interim Director Jim Sygo. "When a discharge like this does occur, the DEQ will take appropriate action to protect the environment and natural resources."

As part of the compliance program contained in the Consent Order, Smith Paving has improved its soil erosion and sedimentation control measures, and has agreed to fully stabilize the construction site.  The Consent Order also requires Smith Paving to pay a civil fine in the amount of $28,065 and to reimburse the DEQ for the costs of its investigation and enforcement. 

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Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

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