Developers fined $9,000 for violations

Two North Idaho developers have settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a total of $9,000 in fines for violating water protection laws.

Black Rock Development was fined $2,700 for violations at its Black Rock North golf course on Loffs Bay Road in Coeur d’Alene. Pend Oreille Bonner Development will pay $6,400 for violations at its Hidden Lakes golf course and residential development off Highway 200 on Lower Pack River Road in Sandpoint.

The violations were discovered last fall by EPA inspectors. A statement issued by the agency provided few details, saying only that the violations involve “inadequate controls to prevent pollution in stormwater runoff.”

Jai Nelson, who lives near Black Rock, was disappointed by the fine, calling it “spit in the bucket.” Nelson, a member of a local watchdog group, said sloppy construction practices at the high-end development fouled a nearby trout stream and sent muddy plumes into Lake Coeur d’Alene.

As part of its agreement with EPA, Black Rock will conduct additional monitoring of storm water discharges from the site.