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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-23C Sootss eM NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor Charles S. Jones, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary NOTICE OF VIOLATION July 12, 2005 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Andrew Soots 601 Nelson Neck Rd. Sea Level, NC 28577 RE: NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND REQUEST TO CEASE UNAUTHORIZED DEVELOPMENT CAMA VIOLATION#05-23C Dear Mr. Soots: This letter confirms that on June 28, 2005, Mr. Mark Hardeman, Coastal Management Representative was onsite at your property located at the southeastern terminus of Nelson Neck Road, adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay located in the Town of Sea Level, Carteret County, North Carolina. The purpose of the visit was to investigate unauthorized development in the form of excavating and grading coastal wetlands, high ground, and possible federal wetlands. Again on June 29, 2005, Mr. Hardeman and I visited the site for the purpose of gathering specific information. On July 07, 2005, Mr. Hardeman met onsite with you to discuss the situation. Information gathered by me for the Division of Coastal Management indicates that you have undertaken major development in violation of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). No person may undertake Major Development in a designated Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) without first obtaining a permit from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This requirement is imposed by North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) 11 3A-1 18. I have information that indicates you have undertaken or are legally responsible for the grading and filling of approximately 50,334 sf of coastal wetlands and additional high ground and possibly federal wetlands on the aforementioned property. This activity took place within the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetlands that are contiguous with Core Sound and Styron Bay. Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetland areas are designated as Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC). No CAMA permit was issued to you for work in this area. Based on these findings, I am initiating an enforcement action by issuing this Notice of Violation for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act and the State's Dredge and Fill Law. I request that you immediately CEASE AND DESIST any further unauthorized activities within designated Areas of Environmental Concern. A civil assessment of up to $2,500 may be assessed against any violator. Each day that the development described in this notice is continued or repeated may constitute a separate violation that is subject to an additional assessment of up to $2,500. An injunction or criminal penalty may also be sought to enforce any violation (N.C.G.S.113A-126). It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to levy a minimum civil assessment of $350.00 not to exceed $2,500 against all violations of this type. This is done to recoup some of the costs of investigating and/or to compensate the public for damage to its natural resources. Whether a higher amount will be assessed depends on several factors, including the nature and area of the resources affected and the extent of the damage to them. 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer — 50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper c Mr. Andrew Soots July 12, 2005 Page 2 of 3 You are also in violation of the State's Dredge and Fill Law which requires a permit from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources before undertaking any excavating or filling in any estuarine waters, tidelands, marshlands, or state-owned lakes pursuant to N.C.G.S. 113-229. Therefore, I also request that you immediately CEASE AND DESIST such unauthorized activity and contact me about this matter as well. Violations of the State's Dredge and Fill Act may be enforced by a criminal penalty or a civil action for damages or an injunction in accordance with N.C.G.S.113-229. Based upon the North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Subchapter 07H. State Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern, the activity you have undertaken, grading and filling of approximately 50,334 sf of coastal wetlands and additional high ground and possible federal wetlands in the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetland AECs, is not consistent with Section 07H .0208, which disallows the non water -dependent grading of wetlands or waters, and requires authorization with specific methodologies for the grading of the high ground area and/or federal wetlands within 575' of Core Sound and Styron Bay. Therefore, I am requesting that all disturbed areas within the Coastal Wetlands be returned to original grade and contour. All disturbed area on the high ground must be stabilized. Additionally, any restoration required by the USACE or the NCDWQ of federal wetlands will become a part of this restoration plan. Because greater than one acre of land was disturbed, a Stormwater Plan must be obtained from the NC DWQ, and a Sedimentation/Erosion Control Plan must be obtained from the NC DLQ. The enclosed Restoration Plan describes the action necessary to bring this project into compliance with the Act. If you intend to cooperate with my request, please sign one of the attached Restoration Agreements and return it to me in the enclosed, self-addressed envelope within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter. Failure to comply with this request or respond back to this office prior to the requested deadline with an acceptable schedule for compliance will be interpreted as a refusal to cooperate and will result in a Notice of Continuing Violation, as well as a court injunction being sought ordering compliance. The relevant statutes and regulations are available from this office, and I am willing to assist you in complying with the requirements of these laws. A site inspection will be made in the near future to determine whether this REQUEST TO CEASE AND DESIST has been complied with. I request that you contact me immediately. Thank you for your time and cooperation in resolving this important matter. If you have any questions about this or related matters, please call me at (252) 808-2808. Upon completion of the restoration as requested in the Restoration Plan Agreement to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management, you will be notified as to the amount of the civil assessment for undertaking development without first obtaining the proper permits and for development that is inconsistent with Coastal Resources Commission rules. Sincerely, District Manager, MHC District, DCM Cc: Ted Tyndall, Assistant Director, DCM Mark Hardeman, Coastal Management Representative, DCM Roy Brownlow, Compliance Coordinator, DCM Larry Smith, LPO Henry Wicker, USACE Noelle Lutheran, NCDWQ ENCLOSURE 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-2808 \ FAX: 252-247-3330 \ Internet: www,nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer — 50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots July 12, 2005 Page 3 of 3 RESTORATION PLAN FOR Mr. Andrew Soots Property CAMA Violation No. 05-23C Property located at the southeast end of Nelson Neck Road, Carteret County w` I W 1 V, V, F>[Y4 lil SL LN �.6r �ecY11.N SeW Ceud Ue ➢in,tuce- Appr i0,1.L.f txW R"emW Speae a.m.. �...r�:. Cx-W R'etlW� , GrWLei lihq I, Andrew Soots, agree to return all disturbed areas within the Coastal Wetlands to original grade and contour. All disturbed area on the high ground must be stabilized. Additionally, any restoration required by the USACE or the NCDWO will become a part of this restoration plan. Because greater than one acre of land was disturbed, I understand that I must obtain a Stormwater Plan from the NC DWO, and a Sedimentation/Erosion Control Plan from the NC DLO. I agree to complete the coastal wetland restoration portion to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) by August 12, 2005, or provide an explanation for non-compliance and a reasonable request for time extension. I agree to arrange a meeting with the USACE and the NC DWO to determine any further actions necessary to fulfill their requirements governing federal wetlands by that same date. Lastly, I agree to submit applications for both Sedimentation/Erosion Control and Stormwater authorizations to the appropriate agencies listed above by August 12, 2005. When corrective actions are complete, I will notify the DCM so the work can be inspected. SIGNATURE: DATE: It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to levy a minimum civil assessment $350.00 and higher against all violations of this type depending upon the damage to the resources. If restoration is not undertaken or satisfactorily completed, a substantially higher civil assessment will be levied and an injunction sought to require restoration. 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-2808 \ FAX: 252-247-3330 \ Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer— 500% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper Page 1 of 1 Detailed view for record 1 (Print) Field Value AREA 386921.00868 PERIMETER 4172.02698 PARCEL83_ 3208 PARCEL83_I 3210 WHAT 0 PIN MAPNUM 7481 BLOCK 43 PDOT 8404 CONDO_ MOTHER 0 MAPNAM 748103 PRID 03006JO139 PIN15 748103438404000 OWNER DBOOK 806 DPAGE 378 DDATE 0 SALE_PRICE 0 TAX_VALUE M635 LAND_VALUE 34635 STRUC_VAL 0 OTHER_VAL 0 BLT_CONDO 0 HOUSE_NUM 0000579 Field Value DIRECTION ST_NAME NELSON NECK ST_TYPE RD CITY SEA LEVEL ZIP 28577 MAIL_HOUSE MAIL_DIR MAIL_ST MAIL_STTYP MAIL_CITY LEEDS POINT MAII_STATE NJ MAII_ZIP 08220 MAIL_POBOX PO BOX 660 TOWNSHIP SEA LEVEL CITY_LIMIT NBHD 30001 FIRE_DIST SEA LEVEL FIRE RESCUE_DST SEA LEVEL RESCUE LEGAL_DSC ACREAGE SR 1373 H STYRON HRS TOTAL_ACR 7.91 Y_BLT_HOUS 0 TOT_SQ_FT 0 BATHROOMS 0 BEDROOMS 0 http://maps.co.carteret.ne.us/ibs/details_popup.htm 6/30/2005 (*) o '- s S b �F � - 000 r ` 1 ~ �r �„ / °• i ...fir,. �� r _ ��• 1 -ter r i NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor Charles S. Jones, Director William G.iRoss Jr., Secretary May 8, 2006 Andrew and Sue Soots 503 College St: Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Soots, Governor Mike Easley asked me to respond to your recent letter regarding a Notice of Violation and civil penalty you received from the Division of Coastal Management. I Our records indicate that you undertook the grading and filling of approximately 50,0001 square feet of coastal wetlands, 404 wetlands and high ground areas on your property in Sea Level. The extent of ground disturbance involved is of considerably greater impact than simply removing brnsh,land requires a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permit, which was not obtained for this work. iI understand you were also cited by the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) for disturbing approximately'/s acre of 404 wetlands. Your letter states that you visited our office to inquire about a permit, and were told you should begin work, and that a member of our staff would contact you if a permit were needed. No one on my staff has any recollection of this conversation. It is not our policy to instruct anyone to begin a project unless we can state with certainty that no permit is needed for a request. In all other cases, we schedule a site visit to determine whether a permit is required before work begins. Also, DCM field representatives do not conduct site visits on weekends. The date of DCM's first site visit to your property was June 28, 2005. This date is not consistent with your statement that the work was merely cleanup after a hurricane, since Hurricane Ophelia did not impact Carteret County until mid -September of 2005 and Hurricane Isabel occurred in 2003. DCM District Manager Tere Barrett issued a Notice of Violation and restoration plan on July 12, 2005. 1 understand that you have paid the minimum civil penalty of $350 for this violation, andithat you have restored the site to our and the COE's satisfaction. As that is the case, we consider this matter to be closed. If you wish, you may contact me directly, and I will be happy to speak with you about this issue Sincerely, l) Charles S. Jones Director 400 Commerce Avenue; Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-2808 \ FAX: 252-247-3330 \ Internet: www•nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer —50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper i Iz � 1-4 v%° ° Action ID:200501017 Responsible Party: U.S. ARMY CORPS OF Wilmington District P.O. Box 1890 Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 County: Carteret Notice of Unauthorized Activity Andrew Soots 601 Nelson Neck Road Sea Level, NC 28577 Quad: Beaufort 11; �ILI, � V. • I 2 2005 Property Location and Description: The project site is a single-family residedddgtlic'dIld`ddCsotdNecCM Road, Sea Level, Carteret County, North Carolina. The property includes and abuts a coastal salt marsh adjacent and hydrologically connected to Core Sound and Styron Bay, a regulated water of the United States. Description of Unauthorized Activity: On July 18, 2005, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff inspected the referenced property and documented disturbance activities in jurisdictional wetlands. Marsh vegetation and soils had been mechanically cleared and deposited in wetlands. Windrows of vegetation debris had been piled in the mechanically cleared soils. In addition, a pile consisting of vegetation and manmade debris had been deposited in wetlands near the house. The total disturbed area is approximately %2-acre. A review of district records indicates that these activities have not been authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. _X_ Unauthorized Activity River & Harbor Act, Section 10 (33 USC 403) Noncompliance with Permit _X_ Clean Water Act, Section 301 (33 USC 1311) Remedial Action Requested: Within 10 days after receiving this letter, please contact me at this office to discuss this matter. At that time, you may present any evidence you may have that demonstrates that the described work has been authorized by the Army Corps of Engineers. If the work is unauthorized, remedial action will be required and shall include submittal of a site restoration plan subject to Corps approval. The plan shall include specifications for the restoration of the disturbed soils to original wetland grade and restoration of wetland vegetation. Note. According to Mark Hardeman of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, you have already agreed to restore the site to state specifications. If that is the case, please submit a copy of your restoration proposal to me for consideration of approval. Your proposal should include a time frame for completion of the restoration and specifications for monitoring and maintaining restoration success. Erosion and control measures may include check dams, silt fence, hay, or straw bales and must be installed as necessary during restoration to prevent sediment from eroding into adjacent waters and wetlands. Andrew Soots USACE File No. 200501017 Notice of Unauthorized Activity Page 2 An option available to you is to apply for an after -the -fact permit to request authorization to keep the site in its present state. Be advised, however, that our experience in these matters leads us to believe that obtaining approval for the described work would be unlikely and time consuming. In any event, we would not begin processing a request to keep the project until you have resolved any enforcement actions related to this violation that may exist between you and other agencies. If you do no further unauthorized work in waters or wetlands on site and perform the requested remedial action, the Corps of Engineers may take no further action in this matter. If after receiving this notice, you fail to submit a plan to redress the described environmental damage or if you continue to perform unauthorized work in waters of the U.S., we may seek immediate legal action. If you have questions or comments about this notice or if you need further information about the Corps of Engineers regulatory program, please contact me at (910) 251-4466. Project Manager: Thomas Farrell//P� Date: August 30, 2005 cc: Mark Hardeman, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City, NC 28557 Justin McCorcle, Office of Counsel, USACE Wilmington District Ag;_ NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor Charles $. Janes, Director Wiliam G. Ross Jr., secretary LSB MTT April 18, 2006 /,4. Q¢ � TB � `-�'''CA � RB Cam'" Mr. Andrew Soots Ci - —�7J 503 College Street �`�St�s�o Wilkesboro, NC 28697 J RE: Payment of Proposed Penalty for Violations of the Coastal Area Management Act, Committed in Carteret County CAMA Violation 905-23C Dear Mr. Soots: This letter will acknowledge receipt of your check #5810, in the amount of $350.00, and dated April 11, 2006. Once the amount of the check is credited to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' account, this matter will be fully and completely closed. If you have any further questions concerning this matter, please contact me at my Morehead City office, (252) 808-2808. Sinc rely, Tere Barrett District Manager TB/lsb cc: Roy Brownlow, Compliance Coordinator Ted Tyndall, Asst. Director Mickey Suggs, COE 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-2808 \ FAX: 252-247-3330 \ Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer— 50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper i Mr Andrew Soots December 21, 2005 Page 3 of 3 CAMA VIOLATION #05-23C yu � F�-� � , .1 ' APR 1 7 2006 Morehead City DCM AGREEMENT TO PAY PROPOSED CIVIL ASSESSMENT I understand that the staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will propose the assessment of a civil penalty in the amount of $350.00 against me for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act, NCGS 113A-100 et sec, committed adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay at the terminus of Nelson Neck Road, Sea Level, Carteret County, North Carolina. In order to resolve this matter with no further action or expense on my part, I accept responsibility for the violation as described in the Notice of Violation letter dated 7/12/05, and agree to pay the civil assessment of $350.00. DATE II-0v SIGNATURE ADDRESS �c - 356- Vol - a sug TELEPHONE NUMBER 151-B Hwy. 24, Hestron Plaza II, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer-50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor Charles S. Jones, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary NOTICE OF VIOLATION July 12, 2005 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Andrew Soots 601 Nelson Neck Rd. Sea Level, NC 28577 RE: NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND REQUEST TO CEASE UNAUTHORIZED DEVELOPMENT- CAMA VIOLATION #05-23C Dear Mr. Soots: This letter confirms that on June 28, 2005, Mr. Mark Hardeman, Coastal Management Representative was onsite at your property located at the southeastern terminus of Nelson Neck Road, adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay located in the Town of Sea Level, Carteret County, North Carolina. The purpose of the visit was to investigate unauthorized development in the form of excavating and grading coastal wetlands, high ground, and, possible federal wetlands. Again on June 29, 2005, Mr. Hardeman and I visited the site for the purpose of gathering specific information. On July 07, 2005, Mr. Hardeman met onsite with you to discuss the situation. Information gathered by me for the Division of Coastal Management indicates that you have undertaken major development in violation of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). No person may undertake Major Development in a designated Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) without first obtaining a permit from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This requirement is imposed by North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) 113A-1 18. I have information that indicates you have undertaken or are legally responsible for the grading and filling of approximately 50,334 sf of coastal wetlands and additional high ground and possibly federal wetlands on the aforementioned property. This activity took place within the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetlands that are contiguous with Core Sound and Styron Bay. Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetland areas are designated as Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC). No CAMA permit was issued to you for work in this area. Based on these findings, I am initiating an enforcement action by issuing this Notice of Violation for violation,of the Coastal Area Management Act and the State's Dredge and Fill Law. I request that you immediately CEASE AND DESIST any further unauthorized activities within designated Areas of Environmental Concern. A civil assessment of up to $2,500 may be assessed against any violator. Each day that the development described in this notice is continued or repeated may constitute a separate violation that is subject to an additional assessment of up to $2,500. An injunction or criminal penalty may also be sought to enforce any violation (N.C.G.S.113A-126). 1 . It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to levy a minimum civil assessment of $350.00 not to exceed $2,500 against all violations of this type. This is done to recoup some of the costs of investigating and/or to compensate the public for damage to its natural resources. Whether a higher amount will be assessed depends on several factors, including the nature and area of the resources affected and the extent of the damage to them. 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots July 12, 2005 Page 2 of 3 You are also in violation of the State's Dredge and Fill Law which requires a permit from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources before undertaking any excavating or filling in any estuarine waters, tidelands, marshlands, or state-owned lakes pursuant to N.C.G.S. 113-229. Therefore, I also request that you immediately CEASE AND DESIST such unauthorized activity and contact me about this matter as well. Violations of the State's Dredge and Fill Act may be enforced by a criminal penalty or a civil action for damages or an injunction in accordance with N.C.G.S. 113-229. Based upon the North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Subchapter 07H. State Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern, the activity you have undertaken, grading and filling of approximately 50,334 sf of coastal wetlands and additional high ground and possible federal wetlands in the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetland AECs, is not consistent with Section 07H .0208, which disallows the non water -dependent grading of wetlands or waters, and requires authorization with specific methodologies for the grading of the high ground area and/or federal wetlands within 575' of Core Sound and Styron Bay. Therefore, I am requesting that all disturbed areas within the Coastal Wetlands be returned to original grade and contour. All disturbed area on the high ground must be stabilized. Additionally, any restoration required by the USAGE or the NCDWQ of federal wetlands will become a part of this restoration plan. Because greater than one acre of land was disturbed, a Stormwater Plan must be obtained from the NC DWQ, and a Sedimentation/Erosion Control Plan must be obtained from the NC DLQ. The enclosed Restoration Plan describes the action necessary to bring this project into compliance with the Act. If you intend to cooperate with my request, please sign one of the attached Restoration Agreements and return it to me in the enclosed, self-addressed envelope within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter. Failure to comply with this request or respond back to this office prior to the requested deadline with an acceptable schedule for compliance will be interpreted as a refusal to cooperate and will result in a Notice of Continuing Violation, as well as a court injunction being sought ordering compliance. The relevant statutes and regulations are available from this office, and I am willing to assist you in complying with the requirements of these laws. A site inspection will be made in the near future to determine whether this REQUEST TO CEASE AND DESIST has been complied with. I request that you contact me immediately. Thank you for your time and cooperation in resolving this important matter. If you have any questions about this or related matters, please call me at (252) 808-2808. Upon completion of the restoration as requested in the Restoration Plan Agreement to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management, you will be notified as to the amount of the civil assessment for undertaking development without first obtaining the proper permits and for development that is inconsistent with Coastal Resources Commission rules. Sincerely, ' Tere Barrett District Manager, MHC District, DCM Cc: Ted Tyndall;*,ssistant Director, DCM Mark Hardeman, Coastal Management Representative, DCM Roy Browner Compliance Coordinator, DCM Larry Smith, LPO Henry Wicker, USAGE Noelle Lutheran, NCDWQ ENCLOSURE 400 CorSmerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-2808 \ FAX: 252-247-3330 \ Internet: www,nccoastaimanagement.net An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots July 12, 2005 Page 3 of 3 RESTORATION PLAN FOR Mr. Andrew Soots Property CAMA Violation No. 05-23C Property located at the southeast end of Nelson Neck Road, Carteret County V/ V/ V1,. V" V/ V i Vi` V% �1�` � V ,V; , sn Se W Ceu W 11'etlui.Denrbyce- Appr Caa:W Retlu61peoe o- ovh� m Cx,W R'e,LM I, Andrew Soots, agree to return all disturbed areas within the Coastal Wetlands to original grade and contour. All disturbed area on the high ground must be stabilized. Additionally, any restoration required by the USACE or the NCDWQ will become a part of this restoration plan. Because greater than one acre of land was disturbed, I understand that I must obtain a Stormwater Plan from the NC DWO, and a Sedimentation/Erosion Control Plan from the NC DLO. I agree to complete the coastal wetland restoration portion to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) by August 12, 2005, or provide an explanation for non-compliance and a reasonable request for time extension. I agree to arrange a meeting with the USACE and the NC DWQ to determine any further actions necessary to fulfill their requirements governing federal wetlands by that same date. Lastly, I agree to submit applications for both Sedimentation/Erosion Control and Stormwater authorizations to the appropriate agencies listed above by August 12, 2005. When corrective actions are complete, I will notify the DCM so the work can be inspected. SIGNATURE: DATE: It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to levy a minimum civil assessment $350.00 and higher against all violations of this type depending upon the damage to the resources. If restoration is not undertaken or satisfactorily completed, a substantially higher civil assessment will be levied and an injunction sought to require restoration. 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-2808 \ FAX: 252-247-3330 \ Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer — 50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper CKING REPORT Violation Base No. L, A B C D Violated Permit No. 14 (if applicable) Violation DescriptiPn 1 ,r I W s activity permittable? Yes Initial Discovery Date IjDiscovery Method t/ ll (��t Violation Description Respondent Inform tlon Prior Violations in same AEC: Yes Case Number�j—a 01 Respondent Name(s) Jh-kJZ (Landowner/Agent/Contractor) Address ll1- i City--"'k')"( State Zip ? Phone # �7j��� —�(�� Fax # Email / Violati e: ProLeetiype: Autho ' tions Requir Site isit Respondent Site Visits Respondent No erm' r' t Community Major } Present{ Present Permit Condition Govt./Public nor D&F to A k Expired Permit Commercial General lo•� V S Inconsistent wl Rules Violation Location and Site Description Rover File Project Location: County ell Shoreline Length Street Address/ State Road/ Lot #(s) Q_ SAV: Not Sure Yes Subdivision ��� 11 I/ 4- City ZIP Phone # ( )) River Basin U3rL W- Adj.Body,,�� (n /man/unkn) Closestest Maj. Wtr.tc BoBody Sandbags: Not Sure PNA: ORW: Crit. Hab. Photos Waiver Required In DWQ Buffer Area Restoration NOV Date / I/4ps, Initial Req. Comp. Date 5 CNOV Date L Date Comp. Observed / 6 Penalty Assessment ( /171.04 9 Fef. Sent to Respondent Date App./Permit Fee 1 N%16 Rcvd. by Dist. Mgr. Date Assessment Extended Yes Penalty No Willful/Intent. Continuing Other Total Yes o Adjacent V Adjacent No VYa I No Ye No Yes LT Extension Granted Ye No Restoration Letter f I g IOS Acceptance Date / Recomm. Assess. DCM Assess. $a50 $ $�00 $ Formal Assessments, Appeals and Reductions Date Long Form Submitted Assessment Appealed Yes No Date Formal CPA Submitted Penalty modified Final Assessment $ Date Attorney General's Office for Injunction or Formal Collection Date sent to AG Respondent not responsive to penalty/NOV Injunction to complete restoration Date Collection Let. Sent Date Demand Let. Sent Violation Activities and Impacts AECs Af d: Wetlands Impacted? Yes / No If yes, which types: EW PTA ES PTS �; t6—\ HHF IH ScB ., SY 1R LS TY PWS: FC: Ss `�/) Other: Restoration Required by the Respondent Yes No Dimensions in excess Dimensions to restore Final dimensions Actually restored of permit/ unauthorized activities allowed Development Activities es, A/) ,, & t . Habitat Description / p 1 t ) r 0(-� / 40 NOTES: Closing Payment Received $ Date Date Case Closed NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor Charles S. Jones, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary October 18, 2005 Mr. Andrew Soots 503 College Street North Wilkesboro, NC 28697 RE: RESTORATION ACCEPTANCE - CAMA VIOLATION #05.23C Dear Mr. Soots: *SB : This letter is in reference to the Notice of Violation #05-23C sent to you dated July 12, 2005 for the grading and filling of federal and coastal wetlands and high ground within the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetlands in or near Core Sound and Styron Bay. The violation took place on your property located at the southeastern terminus of Nelson Neck Road off of Highway 70 in or near the community of Sea Level in Carteret County, North Carolina. This unauthorized activity constituted development and you were requested to remove all fill from the wetlands and stabilize all high ground disturbed areas adjacent to wetlands or waters. In accordance with the North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15A, Subchapter 7J.0410, any violation involving development which is inconsistent with guidelines for development within Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) must be corrected by restoring the project site to pre -development conditions to recover lost resources or to prevent further resource damage. Mr. Mark Hardeman conducted a site visit at the aforementioned property on August 26, 2005 to inspect the restoration of the unauthorized activity addressed in the Notice of Violation #05-23C. Based on this inspection, it appears the restoration is accomplished to the satisfaction of this Division. Upon my preparation of an enforcement report, you will be notified as to the amount of the civil penalty for undertaking this unauthorized activity within an Area of Environmental concern. Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions pertaining to this matter, please feel free to call me at (252) 808-2808. Sincerely, Tere Barrett District Manager, MHC DCM Cc: Ted Tyndall, Assistant Director, DCM Mark Hardeman, Field Representative, DCM Roy Brownlow, Compliance Coordinator, DCM Henry Wicker, USACE Noelle Lutheran, DWQ 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastaimanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer — 50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper e�A NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Andrew Soots 503 College Street North Wilkesboro, NC 28697 RE: CAMAVIOLATION #05.23C Dear Mr. Soots: Charles S. Jones, Director October 20, 2005 William G. Ross Jr., Secretary This letter is in reference to the Notice of Violation dated July 12, 2005 that I, District Manager for the Morehead City District of the NC Division of Coastal Management, issued to you for the grading and filling of state and federal wetlands within the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetlands adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay at the terminus of Nelson Neck Road, in the community of Sea Level, Carteret County. The violation involved the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetlands, which are Areas of Environmental Concern designated by the Coastal Resources Commission. Based upon the site visit conducted on August 26, 2005 by Mr. Mark Hardeman, DCM Field Representative, the restoration requested appears to be complete to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management. The Coastal Area Management Act provides that a civil assessment of up to $2,500 may be assessed for any violation. It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to assess a civil penalty for all violations in order to recover some of the costs of investigating violations and/or to compensate the public for any damage to its natural resources. Under the rules of the Coastal Resource Commission, a proposed civil penalty in the amount of $350.00 is appropriate for this violation. You may expeditiously resolve this matter prior to the assessment of a formal civil penalty by accepting responsibility for the violation and paying the amount proposed above. In order to do this, you must: (1) sign one of the attached copies of an "Agreement to Pay Civil Assessment;" (2) attach a check or money order for $350.00 made payable to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR); and, (3) return the signed agreement and payment to this office in the enclosed, self- addressed envelope within ten (10) days of your receipt of this letter. Upon deposit of your check in the Department's account, you will receive a Notice of Compliance officially closing this enforcement action. If you do not send a signed agreement and payment to this office within ten (10) days, the Director of the Division of Coastal Management will formally assess a civil penalty against you. You will then have the opportunity to request a hearing on the penalty or request remission of the penalty. 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer— 50% Recyded 110% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots October 20, 2005 Page 2 of 3 Thank you for your time and cooperation in resolving this important matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (252) 808-2808. Sincerely, Tere Barrett, District Manager Division of Coastal Management Enclosures cc: Ted Tyndall, Assistant Director, DCM Roy Brownlow, Compliance Coordinator, DCM Mark Hardeman, Coastal Management Representative, DCM 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastaimanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots October 20, 2005 page 3 of 3 CAMA VIOLATION #05.23C Mr. Andrew Soots AGREEMENT TO PAY PROPOSED CIVIL ASSESSMENT I understand that the staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will propose the assessment of a civil penalty in the amount of $350.00 against me for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act, NCGS 113A-100 et sec, committed on or near my property at the terminus of Nelson Neck Road, Sea Level, in Carteret County, North. Carolina. In order to resolve this matter with no further action or expense on my part, I accept responsibility for the violation as described in the Notice of Violation letter dated July 12, 2005, and agree to pay the proposed civil assessment of $350.00. DATE SIGNATURE ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER 400 Commerce Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opporlunily lAffirmative Action Employer-50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper MCENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor Charles S. Jones, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary December 21, 2005 CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Andrew Soots 503 College Street North Wilkesboro, NC 28697 RE: CAMA VIOLATION#05-23C . SECOND NOTICE OFASSESSMENT Dear Mr. Soots: This letter is in reference to the previous Notice of Assessment dated 10/20/05 for the Notice: of Violation sent to you dated 7/12/05, for the unauthorized grading and filling of state and federal.wetlands adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay at the terminus of Nelson Neck Road in Sea Level, Carteret County. The violation involved the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetlands AEC's, which are Areas of Environmental Concern designated by the Coastal Resources Commission. Based upon the site visit conducted on August 26, 2005 by Mr. Mark Hardeman, DCM Field Representative, the restoration requested appears to be complete to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management, The Coastal Area Management Act provides that a civil assessment of up to $2,500 maybe assessed for any violation. It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to assess a civil penaityfor all -------- violations. This is to recover some of the costs of investigating violations and/or to compensate the public for any damage to its natural resources. As stated in the previous Notice of Assessment, under the rules of the Coastal Resource Commission, a civil penalty in the amount of $350.00 is appropriate for this violation. Therefore, a $350.00 penalty is informally proposed against you. You may expeditiously resolve this matter at this time by accepting responsibility for the violation and paying the amount proposed above. In order to do this, you must: (1) sign the "Agreement to Pay Civil Assessment;" (2) attach a check or money order for $350.00 made payable to the North Carolina. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR); and, (3) return the signed agreement and payment to this office in the enclosed, self-addressed envelope within ten (10) days of your receipt of this letter. Upon deposit of your check in the Department's account, you will receive a Notice of Compliance officially closing this enforcement action. 151-B Hwy. 24, Hestron Plaza II, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301Internet www.nGcoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer —50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots December 21, 2005 Page 2 of 3 w If you do not send a signed agreement and payment to this office within ten (10) days, I will request the Director of the Division of Coastal Management formally assess a civil penalty against you for this violation. You will then have the opportunity to request a hearing on the penalty or request remission of the penalty. Please be advised, this is the final attempt to resolve this matter informally. Thank you for your time and cooperation in resolving this important matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (252) 808-2808. Sincerely, Tore Barrett District Manager, MHC DCM cc: Charles S. Jones, Director, DCM Ted Tyndall, Assistant Director, DCM --- Roy Brownlow, Compliance and Enforcement Coordinator, DCM Mark Hardeman, Coastal Management Representative, DCM 400 Commerce Ave, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-2808 \ FAX: 252-247-333011ntemet www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity \Affirmative Action Employer —50% Recycled \ 10% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots 7ecember21, 2005 Page 3 of 3 CAMA VIOLATION #05.23C AGREEMENT TO PAY PROPOSED CIVIL ASSESSMENT I understand that the staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will propose the assessment of a civil penalty in the amount of $350.00 against me for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act, NCGS 113A-100 et seg, committed adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay at the terminus of Nelson Neck Road, Sea Level, Carteret County, North Carolina. In order to�resolve this matter with no further action or expense on my part, I accept responsibility for the violation as described in the Notice of Violation letter dated 7/12/05, and agree to pay the civil assessment of $350.00. DATE . SIGNATURE I ADDRESS I TELEPHONE NUMBER 151-6 Hwy. 24, Hestron Plaza II, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer-50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper 04-NM-05 NC DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT ENFORCEMENT RECORD CASE NUMBER LAST NAME FIRST NAME BUSINESS NAME: 0� 05-23C SOOTS ANDREW ) CASE IS CLOSED �, Previous Violations in Same AEC for Similar Activities NOV DATE CLOSURE DATE Elapsed Days AFFLILIATION SECTOR S/112005 r 95 1PROPERTY OWNER PRIVATE MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE PHONE NUMBER 601 NELSON NECK RD SEA LEVEL NC 26677- r- PROPERTY ADDRESS COMMUNITY WATERBODY NEAREST ROAD NELSON NECK ROAD SEA LEVEL ISTYRON BAY F- DISTRICT OFFICE COUNTY DCM REPRESENTATIVE LPO CONTACT MHCDO CARTERET BARRETT I V CW ❑ EW ❑ PTA /1 ES PTS VIOLATION TYPE MAJOR CAMA plus DREDGE AND FILL OEA �_ HHFA j_ _ IHA ] PWS-NCRA NATURE OF VIOLATION AEC DESCRIPTION ISectio, 404 Wetlands authorized major development and violation of the State's dredge & fill law by grading and filling of approximatel 334 sq.ft. of coastal wetlands and additional high ground within the CW & ES AECs adjacent to Styron Bay and 'e Sound. RESTORATION REQUEST DATE COMPLETION DATE ❑/1 9/1/2005 1 8/26/2005 ❑ RESTORATION NOT REQUIRED -CONTRACTOR RESTORATION EXTENDED RESTORE DATE DEADLINE ❑ RESTORATION NOT REQUIRED -PERMITTABLE DEVELOPMENT EXTENDED ❑ RESTORATION NOT REQUIRED - FURTHER IMPACTS REFERRED TO AG'S OFFICE - INJUNCTION INJUNCTION DATE: ❑ RESTORATION PENDING REFERRED TO AG'S OFFICE -COLLECTION -- COLLECTION REQUEST DATE: F— ASSESSMENT DATE PENALTY AMOUNT COLLECTION DATE AMOUNT COLLECTED 10/20/2005 $350 F— I © PENALTY ISSUED ❑ WILLFUL& INTENTIONAL PENALTY MIN. OR DOUBLED) ❑ PENALTY NOT ISSUED CNOV ISSUED CNOV DATE ❑ CONRACTOR'S FIRST OFFENSE PENALTY APPEALED APPEAL DATE FORMAL CPA ISSUED FORMAL CPA DATE J SETTLED. AGREED UPON, STIPULATED PENALTY SETTLEMENT DATE UNCOLLECTIBLE PENALTY r—UNCOLLECTIBLE DETERMINATION DATE Violations Involving Adversely Impacted Resources AMOUNT OF ADVERSELY DISTURBED AREA (SQ. FT.) AMOUNT OF RESTORED AREA (SQ. FT) NOTES a,� r NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Michael F. Easley, Governor Charles S. Jones, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary December21, 2005 CERTIFIED MAIL. RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Mr. Andrew Soots 503 College Street North Wilkesboro, NC 28697 LSB � TB _Ll� RB MTT CL, RE: CAMA VIOLATION #05-23C u I �` SECOND NOTICE OFASSESSMENT �Q 1k 6 �-Q `t b Dear Mr. Soots: 1v0 iv-&P 4-6 This letter is in reference to the previous Notice of Assessment dated 1Ln sent to you dated 7/12/05, for the unauthorized grading and filling of state and federal wetlands adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay at the terminus of Nelson Neck Road in Sea Level, Carteret County. The violation involved the Estuarine Shoreline and Coastal Wetlands AEC's, which are Areas of Environmental Concern designated by. the Coastal Resources Commission. Based upon the site visit conducted on August 26, 2005 by Mr. Mark Hardeman, DCM Field Representative, the restoration requested appears to be complete to the satisfaction of the Division of Coastal Management. The Coastal Area Management Act provides that a civil assessment of up to $2,500 may be assessed for any violation. It is the policy of the Coastal Resources Commission to assess civil penalty for all --- violations. This is to recover some of the costs of investigating violations and/or to compensate the public for any damage to its natural resources. As stated in the previous Notice of Assessment, under the rules of the Coastal Resource Commission, a civil penalty in the amount of $350.00 is appropriate for this violation. Therefore, a $350.00 penalty is informally proposed against you. You may expeditiously resolve this matter at this time by accepting responsibility for the violation and paying the amount proposed above. In order to do this, you must: (1) sign the "Agreement to Pay Civil Assessment;" (2) attach a check or money order for $350.00 made payable to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR); and, (3) return the signed agreement and payment to this office in the enclosed, self-addressed envelope within ten (10) days of your receipt of this letter. Upon deposit of your check in the Department's account, you will receive a Notice of Compliance officially closing this enforcement action. 151-B Hwy. 24, Hestron Plaza II, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet www.nccoastaimanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Andrew Soots December 21, 2005 Page 2 of 3 If you do not send a signed agreement and payment to this office within ten (10) days, I will request the Director of the Division of Coastal Management formally assess a civil penalty against you for this violation. You will then have the opportunity to request a hearing on the penalty or request remission of the penalty. Please be advised, this is the final attempt to resolve this matter informally. Thank you for your time and cooperation in resolving this important matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (252) 808-2808, Sincerely, '` Tere Barrett District Manager, MHC DCM cc: Charles S. Jones, Director, DCM Ted Tyndall, Assistant Director, DCM Roy Brownlow, Compliance and Enforcement Coordinator, DCM. Mark Hardeman, Coastal Management Representative, DCM 400 Commerce Ave, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Intemet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer-50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Paper Mr.Andrew Soots December 21, 2005 Page 3 of 3 LAMA VIOLATION ff05.23C AGREEMENT TO PAY PROPOSED CIVIL ASSESSMENT I understand .that the staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will propose the assessment of a civil penalty in the amount of $350.00 against me for violation of the Coastal Area Management Act, NCGS 113A-100 et sec, committed adjacent to Core Sound and Styron Bay at the terminus of Nelson Neck Road, Sea Level, Carteret County, North Carolina. In order to resolve this matter with no further action or expense on.my part, I accept responsibility for the violation as described in the Notice of Violation letter dated 7/12/05, and agree to pay the civil assessment of $350.00: I I l DATE SIGNATURE ADDRESS y TELEPHONE NUMBER I , i i 151-B Hwy. 24, Hestron Plaza II, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 Phone: 252-808-28081 FAX: 252-247-33301 Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer-50% Recycled 110% Post Consumer Pape Offices of the Governor Michael F. Easley Community and Citizen Services Governor 733-2391 To: Ombudsman Issue: Complaint Attn: Allison Stivender Case Number:1123693 Building: Admin. Date Initialized:4117+2006 Room: Respond By: 511I2006 Phone:733-2391 Returned: Email: Aliison.Stivender@ncmaifnet Closed: Name: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Soots Title - Organization: Address: 503 College Street Wilkesboro NC 28697 -------------------------------- County: Wilkes Country: USA Phone: Email: Case Details: Ms. Soots and her husband were fined $350.00 by Carteret County for moving brush on their property. They had tried to obtain a permit: but were told it was not necessary. `�z a r" iA T_ upon completion of this case, please return entire file and a copy of your reply to Claire Ennis, Room 1081, Admin Bldg. If you have questions, please tali 715-5898. For Your Information/Copy and Return _----You may keep publication Prepare reply suitable for Governor's signature and return. Acknowledge stating Governor referred and return. Draft reply suitable for secretary or agency head signature and return. _ Other Received By: Date: Action Taken: Per 11 66 1 D r 42p P.1 Andrew & Sue Soots 503 College Street Wilkeshoro, NBC 28697 Governor Michael F. Easley Office of the Governor Z0.301 Mail Scrvice Center Raleigh NC 27699-0301 April l 1. 2006 Dear Govcntor Easley, I am hoping you will at least listen to my story and nm hopinp you can help. Andrew and 1 have occurred a fine of S 710 in Carteret County by Iere Barrett, DM, MfIC DCM. The line is for moving brush on a piece of land behind our hOUSC. 1 just cannot see that this tine is justified. Here is how the story goes. In 1999. Andrew and 1 purchased an old house at 601 Nelson Neck Road. ()ur house was destroyed by a I furric ne in '003. we were lucky enough to find another house and have it moved onto our lot. Needless to say, more storms come and more damage to our new home and each time, more: clean up_ After cvcryi stornn, there; is trlsh. brush and rnosdtritoes and water that wilt not dry up because of all the trash. The only thing we have ever tried to do s clean up andmake our surroundings prclty and try to keepdown the mosquito infestation. This past Summer, we went down Ior a week -end. Our first wtop was at the CAMA office to apply for a wrmit to do some clean up. We were told that we probably did not ne%ed a permit_ but to just go ahead and start our clean up and that if we needed one. we would be contacted. The CAMA permit person would be down that .oav over the week -end and would chek:k ,end if - we needed a permit. he would let us know, Rpr 11 06 10:44p p.I We proceeded to do our clean up and the only thing we did was move the brush so it could be burned and what happens, n fine for S350.00be�-ause we did not have a permit. 1 just think this is unfair because we are not trying to cruse trouble and tried to get OUt permit ane he +egal. Just wanted you to listen and know that 1 am protesting this fine. i am sending in the money because Ionly have 10 days to Let it into avoid a Civil Penalty. 1 just think that clean up should be justified arter Hurricanes. Think yvt. ( listening, Re: Fw: [Fwd: 1123693-Soots AndrewMM] Subject: Re: Fw. [Fwd: 1123693-Soots,AndrewMMj From: Tere Barrett <Tere.Barrett@ncmail.net> Date: Tue, 25 Apr 200613:41:56 -0400 To: 'Michele. Walker@ncmail.net' <Michele. Walker@ncmail. net> CC: Ted Tyndall <Ted.Tyndall@ncmail.net>, Charles S Jones <Chades.S.Jones@ncmail.net>, Roy Brownlow <Roy. Brownlow@ncmail. net> Michele, in response to your request to explain the "story,' I will do the best I can. The Soots were not assessed by Carteret County, but by DCM. The Notice of Violation was not for clearing brush. We did not receive a phone call in which anyone in this office told Mr. or Mrs. Soots that they "probably did not need a permit but to just go ahead and start our dean up and if we needed one, we would be contacted." Nor did anyone in this office tell them that "the CAMA person would be down that way over the weekend and would check and if we needed a permit, he would let us know.' We do not tell anyone to start work without first visiting the site, unless we can tell them with certainty that there is no permit needed for their request. If there is a question, we schedule a site visit before we give them guidance about beginning work or about any permits that may be needed. We do not work weekends on a regular basis, and if we do, it is generally to catch up on office work, not in the field. The county was not involved with this, nor do their inspectors work weekends. I spoke with Mr. Soots more than once beginning on the day that I first went onsite after receiving a complaint about this violation (Mark Hardeman was with me, as he was a new Field Rep. He had visited the site himself the day before, and had asked me to look at it Wth him), and Mr. Soots never alleged any of this. Rather, he stated that he had in fact graded some old spoil and debris piles that were on the property, in part to alleviate mosquitoes. The work involved more than an acre of ground disturbance, with no sedimentation/erosion control measures, some of it being in federal wetlands, and some in coastal marsh. The date of the first site visit by Mark was June 28, 2005, and Mark and I visited the site the next day, on the 29th. Hurricane Ophelia did not hit until September 16, 2005. The previous hurricane of significance in this area was Isabel, on September 18, 2003 (to address the assertion that the work was hurricane dean -up). The Notice of Violation of the CAMA and Dredge and Fill Act, with the restoration plan, was sent to Mr. Soots on July 12, 2005, only after discussing the situation with him. The US Army Corps of Engineers cited Mr. Soots with a violation of the Clean Water Act, after inspecting the site on July 18, 2005. Their August 30, 2005 Notice states that 'marsh vegetation and soils had been mechanically cleared and deposited in wetlands ... In addition, a pile consisting of vegetation and manmade debris had been deposited in wetlands near the house.' Mr. Soots removed the fill from the wetlands, and stabilized the material on the high ground. I wrote him a letter on October 18, 2005, stating that restoration was complete as of a site visit by Mark Hardeman on August 26, 2005. Mr. Soots was subsequently assessed the minimum civil penalty of $350.00, which was paid on April 11, 2006. The matter is considered dosed at this time. I am attaching a copy of the initial Notice of Violation, the Restoration Acceptance Letter, and the Assessment Letter. If there is anything further you need, please let me know. Tere Michele. Walker(D.ncmail.net wrote: Please take a look at the attached letter. What's the story here? I've been asked to reply to this. Michele 1 of 3 4/28/2006 8:22 AM Re: Fw: [Fwd: 1123693-Soots AndrewMM] ---Original Message — From: diana.kees(a)ncmail.net Date: Apr 19, 2006 16:34 To: 'Michele Walker' Subj: [Fwd: 1123693-Soots,AndrewMM] Looks like another one for you. ---- Original Message Subject: I 123693-Soots,AndrewMM Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 14:48:33 -0400 From:Allison Stivender<Allison.Stivender(ci)ncmail.net> To:Diana Kees <diana.kees(d)ncmail.net> Hi, Diana. Thanks again for the help with the van. They were able to help us. Let me know what y'all think about this (attached pdf.) A. Allison Stivender, Ombudswoman Office Of the Governor E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disdosed to third parties. Diana Kees Acting Director, Public Affairs N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources 1601 MSC, Raleigh, NC 27699-1601 (919) 715-7357; fax (919) 715-5181 2 of 3 4/28/2006 8:22 AM Re: Fw: [Fwd: 1123693-Soots AndrewMM] Tere Barrett. District Uana;er .... TnIL Ffra Content -Type: application/msword andrew soots.doc Content -Encoding: base64 soots.doc Content -Type: application/msword Content -Encoding: base64 soots.doc Content -Type: application/msword Content -Encoding: base64 3 of 3 4/28/2006 8:22 AM 02-May-06 NC DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT ENFORCEMENT RECORD �( CASE NUMBER O 05-23C O CASE IS CLOSED LAST NAME FIRST NAME BUSINESS NAME: SOOTS ANDREW Previous Violations in Same ❑ AEC for Similar Artivitiac NOV DATE CLOSURE DATE Elapsed Days AFFLILIATION SECTOR 8/1/2005 i ;?gp PROPERTY OWNER PRIVATE MAILING ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE PHONE NUMBER 601 NELSON NECK RD SEA LEVEL INC 28577- 1_ PROPERTY ADDRESS COMMUNITY WATERBODY NEAREST ROAD NELSON NECK ROAD ISEA LEVEL STYRON BAY F— DISTRICT OFFICE COUNTY DCM REPRESENTATIVE LPO CONTACT MHCDO ICARTERET 1BARRETT I VIOLATION TYPE MAJOR CAMA plus DREDGE AND FILL NATURE OF VIOLATION AFFECTED AEC(S) F/I CW ❑ EW ❑ PTA © ES ❑ PTS ❑ OEA ❑ HHFA ❑ IHA ❑ PINS ❑ NCRA AEC DESCRIPTION ISection 404 Wetlands Unauthorized major development and violation of the State's dredge & fill law by grading and filling of approximately 50,334 sq.ft. of coastal wetlands and additional high ground within the CW & ES AECs adjacent to Styron Bay and Core Sound. RESTORATION STATUS ❑ RESTORATION NOT REQUIRED - CONTRACTOR Ll RESTORATION NOT REQUIRED - PERMITTABLE DEVELOPMENT ❑ RESTORATION NOT REQUIRED - FURTHER IMPACTS ❑ RESTORATION PENDING RESTORATION RESTORATION REQUEST DATE COMPLETION DATE 9/1/2005 1 8/26/2005 RESTORATION EXTENDED RESTORE DATE ❑ DEADLINE EXTENDED ❑ REFERRED TO AG'S OFFICE - INJUNCTION INJUNCTION REFER DATE: I ❑ REFERRED TO AG'S OFFICE • COLLECTION COLLECTION REQUEST DATE: PENALTY STATUS ASSESSMENT DATE PENALTY AMOUNT COLLECTION DATE AMOUNT COLLECTED 10/20/2005 1 $350 4/18/2006 $350 FVJ PENALTY ISSUED ❑ WILLFUL &INTENTIONAL PENALTY (MIN. OR DOUBLED) ❑ PENALTY NOT ISSUED ❑ CNOV ISSUED F—CNOV DATE ❑ CONRACTOR'S FIRST OFFENSE ❑ PENALTY APPEALED r—APPEAL DATE ❑ FORMAL CPA ISSUED —FORMAL CPA DATE ❑ SETTLED. AGREED UPON, STIPULATED PENALTY SETTLEMENT DATE ❑ UNCOLLECTIBLE PENALTY r—UNCOLLECTIBLE DETERMINATION DATE Violations Involving Adversely Impacted Resources AMOUNT OF ADVERSELY DISTURBED AREA (SQ. FT.) AMOUNT OF RESTORED AREA (SQ. FT) NOTES FROM PREVIOUS 7/12J05 ISSUANCE. SECOND NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT ISSUED 12/21/2005. N.C. Division of Coastal Manages PM 400 Commerce Avenue )(1) Morehead City. NC 28557cur 11�5 Tel. 252-808-2808 CL u_ Q �$�•�I�Ii 36.i� �'�. 7004 2890 0003 8041 9854 1 oy i Q Andrew Soots/05-23C 601 Nelson Neck Rd, Sea Level, NC 28577 /{ ❑INSUFFICIENT ADDRESS ` _ I�) ATTEMPTED NOT KNOWN ❑ OTHER • I`�{`�// ` V✓ O ❑ NO SUCH NUMBER/ STREET AS ADD S NOT DELIVERABLE TO FORWARDODNESS.491 ED III :1::11:L11!JIMI"III' [Ili III ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete Item 4'd Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. 1. Article Addressed to: Andrew Soots/05-23C 601 Nelson Neck Rd. Sea Level, NC 28577 A Signature O Agent X ❑ Addressee B. Received by ( Printed Name) C. Date of Delivery D. Is delivery address different from item 17 O TM If YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No 3. Service Type ❑ Certified Mail ❑ EWess Mail ❑ Registered ❑ Return Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail 0 C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? Pft Fee) ❑ Yes 2. Article Number 7004 2890 0003 8041 9854 Rransfer born serNce label) Domestic Return Reoelpt 702585-02-M-15W PS Form 3811, February 2004 -- ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete Item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. 1. Article Addressed to: Andrew Soo.s/05-23C 503 College St. N Wilkesboro, NC 28697 A. ❑ Agent B. Received by (Printed Name) D. is del" address different from Rem I ❑ %s If YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No 3. Service Type ❑ Certified Mail ❑ Express Mall ❑ Registered ❑ Return Receipt for Merchandise ❑ insured Mail ❑ C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ❑ Yes 2. Article Number (transfer from sendce laoeq 7004 2890 0003 8041 9 915 PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 1e2595-M-1540 UNITED STATES, POSTAL SERVICE • Sender: Please print ybw.t €, address, First-Glaw Mail Postage & Fees Perm1wo.. G-iO Pali N.C. Division of Coastal Management ` 400 Commerce Avenue Morehead City, N.C. 28557 808-2808 ertiiied Mail Provides: (esrenaH) aeoa eenr OOeCu 0,1 Sd ■ A mailing receipt • A unique identifier for your mallplece ■ A record of delivery kept by the Postal Service for two years Important Reminders: ■ Certified Mail may ONLY be combined with First -Class Mails or Priority Mail& ■ Certified Mail is not available for any class of international mail. ■ NO INSURANCE COVERAGE IS PROVIDED with Certified Mail. For valuables, please consider Insured or Registered Mail. ■ For an additional fee, a Return Receipt may be requested to provide proof of delivery. To obtain Return Receipt service, please complete and attach a Return Receipt (PS Form 3811) to the article and add applicable postage to cover the fee. Endorse mailpiece "Rehm Receipt Requested". To receive a fee waiver for a duplicate return receipt, a USPS,s postmark on your Certified Mail receipt is required. ■ For an additional fee, delivery may be restricted to the addressee or addressee's authorized agent. Advise Me clerk or mark the mailpiece with the endorsement 'Restricted Delivery ■ If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is desired, please present the arti- cle at the post office for postmarking. It a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt Is not needed, detach and affix label with postage and mail. it when an InInternet access to delivery information wIMPORTANT: Save this receipt and inot vailable)on maiilQuiry. addressed to APOs and FPOs. FFICIAL. Postage Cerfifleo Fee (, V Rehm RecalPt Fee (Ergorsernera Reprlre0) �,,v p P Here t Mere Raetrktto Uellvery Fee (Entlomement Required) Told Postage & Fees Smt o .,-. Andrew Soots/05-23C wPotw.Yna. 601 Nelson Neck Rd. cM,s�e:zP.d Sea Level, NC 28577 Certified Mail Provides: ava eel zooz evnr Does aay se ■ A mailing receipt • A unique identifier for your mailpiece IN A record of delivery kept by the Postal Service for two years Important Reminders: ■ Certified Mail may ONLY be combined with First -Class Mail® or Priority Mails. ■ Certified Mail is not available for any class of international mail. • NO INSURANCE COVERAGE IS PROVIDED with Certified Mail. For valuables, please consider Insured or Registered Mail. ■ For an additional fee, a Return Raceipt may be requested to provide proof of delivery. To obtain Rehm Receipt service, please complete auattach a Return Receipt (PS Form 3811) to the article and add applicable postage to cover the fee. Endorse mailpiece "Return Receipt Requested". To receive a fee waiver for a duplicate return receipt, a USPSe postmark on your Certified Mail receipt is required. ■ For an additional fee, delivery may be restricted to the addressee or addresses's authorized agent. Advise the clerk or mark the mailpiece with the endorsement -Restricted Delivery°. ■ If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is desired, please present the arti- cle at the post office for postmarking. If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is not needed, detach and affix label with postage and mail. IMPORTANT: Spits this receipt and present it when making an inquiry. Internet access to delivery information Is not available on mail addressed to APOs and FPOs. U.S. Postal SE CERTIFIED (Domestic Mail On) For delivery informati Postage 1:3 Certified Fee M Return Receipt Fee � Reshictetl Delivery Fee E' (Entlor%ment Requlretl) it CO rJ Total Postage 8 Fees P+ostmark `/ Mere ram/ X/ Y S Sent To ri,a,- Andrew Soots/05-23C or POBo"NO. 503 College St. crtg Soto. zlP N Wilkesboro, NC 28697 ar Certified Mail Provides: sae amzooze��r o0aeuuajsa • A mailing receipt ■ A unique Identifier for your mallpiece • A record of delivery kept by the Postal Service for two years Important Reminders: ■ Certified Mail may ONLY be combined with First -Class Mails or Pnonry Mail® ■ Certified Mail Is not available for any class of international mail. ■ NO INSURANCE COVERAGE IS PROVIDED with Certified Mail. For valuables, please consider Insured or Registered Mail. ■ For an additional fee, a Return Receipt may be requested to provide proof of delivery. To obtain Return Receipt seance, please complete antl attach a Return Receipt (PS Form 3e11) to the article and add applicable postage to cover the fee. Endorse mailpece "Return Receipt Requested". To receive a fee waiver for a duplicate return recelpt, a LISPS® postmark on your Certified Mail receipt is required. ■ For an additional fee, delivery may be restricted to the addressee or addressee's authorized ag9ent. Advise the clerk or mark the mailpiece with the endorsement 'Restricted uefivery". ■ If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is desired, oleese present iha arti- cle at the post office for postmarking. If a postmark on the Cr,, Mail receipt is not needed, detach and affix label with postage and mail. IMPORTANT: Save this receipt and Vresent it when making an Inquiry. Internet access to delivery information Is not avallahle on mall addressed to APOs and FPOs. 0 ILn ILn ui Postage $ IM O G Certified Fee ALA Return Receipt Fee ,(\ Here Nere (End atRequired) O ,_Ig Reetocled Delivery Fee (Endorsemerd Required)V�\ ,\ \ r9 ra Total Postage & Fees ,$ O ul tm Sent To r NirWit Apt Mr. Andrew Soots or PO Box c5i{smre; 503 College Street Wilkesboro, NC 2869 r UNITED STATES �amYrt4 1 "Err 1AO AR di • Sender. Please print your name, address, and ZIP+q in this box %ead n of Coastal Management Commerce Avenue City, N.C. 28557 QPR f 0 20F 808-2808 orehead City DCM az11. cTjae f.,f1ffufnf11[fill III IfnffrIfIII Ili fnlIfIluIfill nIIli I ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front H space permits. - 1. Article Addressed to: Mr. Andrew Soots 503 College Street Wilkesboro, NC 28697 2. Article Number ohm*r from service labs✓) PS Form 3811, February 2004 A. by (PHnted Name) 10. ❑ Agent D. Is delivery address ditferem from Item 17 u Yea N YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No 3. Service Type �d] ❑ Certified Mall CY &p% Mail ❑ Registered C] )kabjm Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail 0 C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Feel ❑ Yes 7005 1160 0003 1590 5450 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540 UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Mail 111111 LIN tTNo. G-10 Paid • Sender: Please print your name, address, and ZIP+4#1 this box N.C. Division of Coastal Managemegg o 400 Commerce Avenue a Morehead City, N.C. 28557 o N 808-2808 C ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete Item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on. the front If space permits. 1. Article Addressed to: Mr. Andrew Soots 503 College Street N. Wilkesboro, NC 28697 A. �L� —011111 . 1 ❑ Agent ❑ Addressee a), C. Date of Delivery D. Is delivery address dinerent from Item i? O Yee N YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No 3. Service Type ❑ Certified Mall ❑ Express Mail ❑ Registered ❑ Return Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mall ❑ C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ❑ Yes 2. Article Number (rmmsfer from service 1 7005 1160 0003 159.4 1953_ _. PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 1025e5-02-M-1540 Certified Mail Provides: ■ A mailing receipt (eveney) sow cuffr boae UaeJ se ■ A unique Identifier for your mallpiece ■ A record of delivery kept by the Postal Service for two years Important Reminders: ■ Certified Mail may ONLY be combined with First -Class Mail® or Priority Mail, ■ Certified Mail Is not available for any class of intematlonal mall. ■ NO INSURANCE COVERAGE IS PROVIDED with Certified -Mail. For valuables, please consider Insured or Registered Mal. ■ For an additional fee, a Return Receipt may be requested to provide proof of delivery. To obtain Return Receipt semce, please complete and attach a Return Receipt (PS Form 3811) to the article and add applicable postage to cover the fee. Endorse mailpiece "Return Receipt Requested". To receive a fee waiver for a duF�licate return receipt, a USPS® postmark on your Certified Mail receipt is required. • For an additional fee, delivery may be restricted to the addressee or addressee's authorized agent. Advise the clerk or mark the malpiece with the endorsement "Restricted De livery". • If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is desired, DIease present the anti. cle at the post office for postmarking. If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is not needed, detach and affix label with postage and mail. IMPORTANT: Save this receipt and Vresent It when making an Inquiry. Internet access to delivery Information is not available on mail addressed to APOs and FPOs. rn Ln IIr .. la Ir Ln • 1 Postage $ M O Coddled Fee O C3 • Return Receipt Fee (Endorsement Required) O Restricted DeIHery Fee _D (Endorsement Required) rl Total Postage It Fees 9 Postmark Here Gof o sPecoM Mr. Andrew Soots orPoBjNo. crosreie;zd 503 College Street N. Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Certified Mail Provides: • A mailing receipt eS-a a) ZOOZ WWOM u+wd Sd ■ A unique Identifier for your malpiece ■ A record of delivery kept by the Postal Service for two years Important Reminders: ■ Certified Mal may ONLY be combined with First -Class Mail® or Priority Mail, ■ Certified Mail is nor available for any class of International mail. • NO INSURANCE COVERAGE IS PROVIDED with Certified Mail. For valuables, please consider Insured or Registered Mail, • For an additional fee, a Return Receipl may be requested to rovide proof of delivery. To obtain Return Receipt service, please complete anrPatiach a Return Receipt (PS Form 3811) to the article and add applicable postage to cover the fee. Endorse mailpiece "Return Receipt Requested'. To receive a fee waiver for a duplicate return receipt, a USPS® postmark on your Certified Mail receipt is required. ■ For an additional fee, delivery may be restricted to the addressee or addressee's authorized agent. Advise the clerk or mark the mailpiece with the endorsement 'Restricted Delivery'. ■ If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is desired, please present the arti- cle at the post office for postmarking. If a postmark on the Certified Mah receipt Is not needed, detach and affix label with postage and mail. IMPORTANT: Save this receipt and Vresent it when making an inquiry. Internet access to delivery information is not available on mail addressed to APOs and FPO&. -a Sn=LijLLjL;Lpj rurU N " N D Ul ra Postage $ m Certified Fee O E3 Retum Receipt Fee O (E dorsernent Required) p Restricted Delivery Fee _A (Endorsement Required) ra ra Total Postage " '--- d• Ln Mr. Andrewo �Sentlro No College Poe `rm' North Wilke 28697•0 6 m Certified Mail Provides a=�ealzroz aver ooee vaaj sa ■ A mailing receipt ■ A unique Identifier for your mallpiece ■ A record of delivery kept by the Postal Service for two years Important Reminders: ■ Certified Mail may ONLY be combined with First -Class Maile or Priority Mail, ■ Certified Mail Is not available for any class of international mall. ■ NO INSURANCE COVERAGE IS PROVIDED with Certified Mail. For valuables, please consider Insured or Registered Mail. ■ For an additional fee, a Return Receipt may be requested to provide proof of delivery. To obtain Rehm Receipt service, please complete antl attach a Rehm Receipt (PS Form 3811) to the article and add applicable postage to cover the fee. Endorse mailpiece "Retum Reoeipt Requested". To receive a fee waiver for a duplicate return receipt, a USPSe postmark on your Certified Mail receipt is required. ■ For an additional fee, delivery may be restricted to the addressee or addressee's authorized agant. Advise the clerk or mark the maiipiece with the endorsement "ResMcted Delivery°. • If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt is desired, please present the arti- cle at the post office for postmarking. If a postmark on the Certified Mail receipt Is not needed, detach and affix label with postage and mail. IMPORANT: Save this receipt and present it when making an Inquiry. Interne access to delivery Information is not available on mail addressed to AM and FPOs. U.S. Postal Servicer , CERTIFIED MAIL,., RECEIPT (Domestic Mail Only; No Insurance Coverage information visit our website at PS Form 3800, Jun. 21)0? See Reverse for Instructions