 July 21, 2009
According to the EPA compliance order, Walker violated the federal Clean Water Act by failing to obtain required permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the construction of access roads and foundation pads between 2003 and 2005. Walker allegedly used heavy equipment to place 3,000 cubic yards of fill material, including shot rock and gravel, into one acre of wetlands and intertidal areas of Port Frederick. Wetlands and intertidal areas of Alaska provide important habitat for fish and other wildlife. "Construction activities near Alaska's wetlands can have serious consequences for Alaska's water quality and critical habitats," said Marcia Combes, Director of EPA's Alaska Operations Office. "Landowners planning to conduct work in wetlands must obtain the right permits and follow the requirements to avoid unnecessary impacts and protect these valuable resources." The wetlands adjacent to Game Creek and the intertidal areas were directly impacted by the unauthorized activities at the site, resulting in the loss and impairment of fish and wildlife habitat. Walker previously applied for and received permits for other construction work from the Army Corps of Engineers. In 2004, he and his logging company received a permit for construction of a dock in Hoonah.
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