cv111-174comp-thbmedia.graytvinc.com/documents/complaint-1.pdfthrough counsel, mailed to defendant...
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J. III) 0 ; .s i, P' rA i
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTFOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORLPtflCT 1 4 P1 3:55
AUGUSTA DIVISIONCLERK.
JONES CREEK INVESTORS, LLC, SO. DSJ OF O.
andSAVANNAH 1UVERKEEPER, INC.,
Plaintiffs,
VS. Civil Action File No.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, GEORGIA;CSX TRANSPORTATION, INC.;CSX REAL PROPERTY, INC.,MARSHALL SQUARE, LLCf/d/b/a NBR INVESTMENTS, LLC;D.C. LAWRENCE COMMERCIALREAL ESTATE, LLC; DONALDLAWRENCE; JOSEPH H.MARSHALL, ifi; ALLEN DANIELMARSHALL; KIMLANDCO, LLC;SOUTHERN SITE DESIGN, INC.;DR. ROBERT F. MIILLINS;BRUCE LYONS; and JONESCREEK PARTNERS, LLC,
CV 11 1-- 174
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Defendants.
COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES, CIVIL PENALTIES& INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
COME NOW, Jones Creek Investors, LLC and Savannah Riverkeeper, Inc.
("Plaintiffs") and submit the following Complaint for Damages, Civil Penalties
and Injunctive Relief as set forth below. A Certificate of Interested Persons
pursuant to S.D. Ga. L.R. 3.2 has been filed contemporaneously and is
Case 1:11-cv-00174-JRH -WLB Document 1 Filed 10/14/11 Page 1 of 99
incorporated herein.
JURISDICTION & VENUE
1.
This Court has jurisdiction over this action under the provisions of 505 of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1972 (hereinafter "Clean
Water Act" or "CWA"), 33 U.S.C. § 1365(a)(1) pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331
(federal question).
2.
The Court also has jurisdiction over pendant state statutory and common
law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367 (supplemental jurisdiction) because those
claims arise from the same transactions or occurrences, are related to the federal
claims, and form part of the same case or controversy under Article III of the
United States Constitution.
3.
This action is brought by Plaintiffs as private attorneys general for past and
ongoing violations of the CWA. It seeks damages consisting of civil penalties,
civil damages, injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and costs and expenses of
litigation for such violations.
4.
On or about February 11, 2011, Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors, LLC,
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through counsel, mailed to Defendant CSX Transportation, Inc. and Defendant
CSX Real Property, Inc. the required Notice of Intent to Sue letter, pursuant to
CWA Section 505, 33 U.S.C. § 1365. A copy of the letter is attached hereto at
Exhibit A.
5.
On or about May 16, 2011, Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors, LLC and
Plaintiff Savannah Riverkeeper, Inc., through counsel, mailed to Defendant
Columbia County, Georgia the required Notice of Intent to Sue letter related to
Columbia County's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, pursuant to CWA
505, 33 U.S.C. § 1365. A copy of this letter is attached hereto at Exhibit B.
On or about May 16, 2011, Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors, LLC, through
counsel, mailed to Defendant Kimlandco, LLC, Defendant Southern Site Design,
LLC, Defendant Dr. Robert F. Mullins, Defendant Jones Creek Partners, LLC,
Defendant Bruce Lyons, Defendant Marshall Square, LLC f/d/b/a NBR
Investments, LLC, Defendant D.C. Lawrence Commercial Real Estate, LLC,
Defendant Joseph H. Marshall, III, Defendant Allen Daniel Marshall, Defendant
Donald Lawrence, and Defendant Columbia County, Georgia the required Notice
of Intent to Sue letters, pursuant to CWA 505, 33 U.S.C. § 1365. Copies of these
letters are attached hereto at Exhibits C, D and E.
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7.
Defendants received said letters as evidenced by return postage receipts
and other confirmation of receipts.. To date, Defendants have failed to abate the
nuisance, to stop the trespass, to come into compliance with the Clean Water Act
or otherwise correct the problem. 8.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331, this Court's original jurisdiction is invoked
because the claims asserted herein are founded upon the existence of federal
questions arising under the laws of the United States.
No pending actions defeat this Court's subject matter jurisdiction.
10.
Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors also raises supplemental state law claims
arising from the same transactions or occurrences as Defendants' Federal
environmental statute violations. These state law claims seek compensatory
damages for losses and damage to real property as well as other damages
available to Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors under Georgia law in addition to
attorneys' fees, costs and expenses of litigation.
11.
Venue is proper against all Defendants under the venue provisions of the
Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1365(c) and 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b), in that the violations
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alleged occurred and continue to occur in this District, the endangerment alleged
occurs and may occur in this District, Defendants conduct business within this
District and Division, and all property involved in this matter resides within this
District and Division.
PARTIES
12.
Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors, LLC ("JCI" or "Jones Creek Investors") is a
Georgia limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Georgia
and is a "citizen" pursuant to the Clean Water Act, capable of bringing a citizen
suit under the citizen suit provisions of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1365.
New Manchester Resort & Golf, LLC v. Douglasville Dcv,, LLC, 734 F. Supp. 2d 1326,
1332 (N.D. Ga. 2010). Jones Creek Investors has suffered damages to its property
as a result of Defendants' actions and/or omissions described in this Complaint.
13.
Plaintiff Savannah Riverkeeper, Inc. ("Savannah Riverkeeper") is a non-
profit corporation existing under the laws of the State of Georgia and is a
"citizen" pursuant to the Clean Water Act, capable of bringing a citizen suit
under the citizen suit provisions of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1365. See,
e.g., Friends of the Earth, Inc. v. Laidlaw Envtl. Services (TOC), Inc., 528 U.S. 167, 120
S. Ct. 693,145 L. Ed. 2d 610 (2000). The members of Savannah Riverkeeper use
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the waters damaged by Defendant Columbia County's violations of its Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System ("MS4") National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
Permit as described herein and their aesthetic and recreational values of these
waters have been and continue to be lessened by the damage resulting from
Defendant Columbia County's violations of its MS4 Permit as described herein,
Accordingly, Savannah Riverkeeper is only a party to the Clean Water Act claims
alleged against Columbia County for violations related to the Columbia County
MS4 and Columbia County's MS4 Permit. Neither the Clean Water Act claims
asserted nor the relief requested by Plaintiff Savannah Riverkeeper require the
participation of individual members of Savannah Riverkeeper in this action.
14.
Defendant CSX Transportation, Inc. and Defendant CSX Real Property, Inc.
are and have been at all times relevant to this Complaint owners and/or
operators of the CSX embankment and culverts on the tributary to Jones Creek in
Columbia County, Georgia upstream and to the northwest from where Southern
Pines crosses Jones Creek ("CSX Crossing"), which is a source of the pollutants
flowing onto Plaintiff JCI's property. Defendant CSX Transportation, Inc. and
Defendant CSX Real Property, Inc. (collectively "CSX Defendants") are
responsible for the activities at the CSX Crossing that have resulted in violations
of Federal and State law and impacts to the property of Plaintiff JCI. The claims
rol
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asserted herein are related to the CSX Crossing as defined as the embankment
and culverts on the tributary to Jones Creek and do not concern rail
transportation or the regulation thereof. At most, the claims asserted herein have
a remote or incidental connection to rail transportation.
15.
Defendant CSX Transportation, Inc. ("CSX Transportation") is a foreign
Corporation doing business in and around Columbia County, Georgia. Service
may be perfected via mail or personal service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P.4 upon
Defendant CSX Transportation's Registered Agent, Corporate Creations
Network, Inc. at 2985 Gordy Parkway, 1" Floor Marietta, Georgia 30066.
16.
Defendant CSX Real Property, Inc. ("CSX Real Property") is a foreign
corporation doing business in and around Columbia County, Georgia. Service
may be perfected via mail or personal service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 upon
Defendant CSX Real Property's Registered Agent, Corporate Creations Network,
Inc. at 2985 Gordy Parkway, 1st Floor Marietta, Georgia 30066.
17.
Defendant Kimlandco, LLC, Defendant Southern Site Design, LLC, and
Defendant Dr. Robert F. Mullins are and have been at all times relevant to this
Complaint owners and/or operators of the Krystal River Commercial Park in
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Columbia County, Georgia ("Krystal River"), which is a source of the pollutants
flowing onto Plaintiff JCI's property. Defendant Kimlandco, LLC, Defendant
Southern Site Design, LLC and Defendant Dr. Robert F. Mullins (collectively
"Krystal River Defendants") are responsible for the activities at Krystal River that
have resulted in violations of Federal and State law and impacts to the property
of Plaintiff JCI.
18.
Defendant Kimlandco, LLC ("Kimlandco") is a Georgia limited liability
company located in Richmond County and doing business in and around
Columbia County, Georgia. Service may be perfected via mail or personal
service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P.4 upon Defendant Kimlandco's Registered
Agent, Dr. Robert F. Mullins at 3675 J . Dewey Gray Circle, Suite 300 Augusta,
Georgia 30909.
19.
Defendant Southern Site Design, LLC ("Southern Site") is a Georgia
corporation located in and doing business in and around Columbia County,
Georgia. Service may be perfected via mail or personal service pursuant to Fed.
R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant Southern Site's Registered Agent, Dr. Robert F.
Mullins at 3675 J . Dewey Gray Circle, Suite 300 Augusta, Georgia 30909.
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20.
Defendant Dr. Robert F. Mullins ("Mullins") is an individual and resident
of Columbia County, Georgia. Service may be perfected via personal service
pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant Mullins or a resident of suitable age
and discretion at 3675 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Suite 300 Augusta, Georgia 30909.
21.
Defendant Jones Creek Partners, LLC and Defendant Bruce Lyons are and
have been at all times relevant to this Complaint owners and/or operators of the
Townhomes at Willow Lake in Columbia County, Georgia ("the Townhomes"),
which is a source of the pollutants flowing onto Plaintiff JCI's property.
Defendant Jones Creek Partners and Defendant Bruce Lyons (collectively "the
Townhomes Defendants") are responsible for activities at the Townhomes that
have resulted in violations of Federal and State law and impacts to the property
of Plaintiff JCI.
22.
Defendant Jones Creek Partners, LLC ("Jones Creek Partners") is a Georgia
limited liability company located in and doing business in and around Columbia
County, Georgia. Service may be perfected via mail or personal service pursuant
to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant Jones Creek Partners's Registered Agent,
Bruce Lyons at (PR1) - Lyons, Evans, Georgia Iredactionli.
in
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23.
Defendant Bruce Lyons is an individual and resident of Columbia County,
Georgia. Service may be perfected via personal service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ.
P. 4 upon Defendant Bruce Lyons or a resident of suitable age and discretion at
(PR1) - Lyons, Evans, Georgia [redaction].
24.
Defendant Marshall Square LLC f/d/b/a NBR Investments, LLC;
Defendant D. C. Lawrence Commercial Real Estate, LLC; Defendant Joseph H.
Marshall, III; Defendant Allen Daniel Marshall; Defendant Donald Lawrence;
and Defendant Columbia County, Georgia are and/or have been at times
relevant to this Complaint owners and/or operators of the Marshall Square
Planned Unit Development in Columbia County, Georgia ("Marshall Square"),
which is a source of the pollutants flowing onto Plaintiff JCI's property.
Defendant Marshall Square LLC f/d/b/a NBR investments, LLC; Defendant D.
C. Lawrence Commercial Real Estate, LLC; Defendant Joseph H. Marshall, III;
Defendant Allen Daniel Marshall; Defendant Donald Lawrence; and Defendant
Columbia County, Georgia (collectively "Marshall Square Defendants") are
responsible for activities at Marshall Square that have resulted in violations of
Federal and State law and impacts to the property of Plaintiff JCI.
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25.
Defendant Marshall Square, LLC f/d/b/a NBR Investments, LLC
("Marshall Square LLC") is a Georgia limited liability company located in and
doing business in and around Columbia County, Georgia. Service may be
perfected via mail or personal service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P.4 upon
Defendant Marshall Square LLC's Registered Agent, Donald C. Lawrence, 3705
Merion Drive Martinez, Georgia 30907.
26.
Defendant D.C. Lawrence Commercial Real Estate, LLC ("D.C. Lawrence
LLC") is a. Georgia limited liability company located in and doing business in and
around Columbia County, Georgia. Service may be perfected via mail or
personal service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant D.C. Lawrence
LLC's Registered Agent, Donald C. Lawrence, 3705 Merion Drive Martinez,
Georgia 30907.
27.
Defendant Joseph H. Marshall, III ("Joseph Marshall") is an individual and
resident of Dougherty County, Georgia. Service may be perfected via personal
service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant Joseph Marshall or a
resident of suitable age and discretion at (PE2) - Albany, Georgia [redaction].
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28.
Defendant Allen Daniel Marshall ("Daniel Marshall") is an individual and
resident of Columbia County, Georgia. Service may be perfected via personal
service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant Daniel Marshall or a
resident of suitable age and discretion at (PR3) - Appling, Georgia [redaction].
29.
Defendant Donald Lawrence is an individual and resident of Columbia
County Georgia. Service may be perfected via personal service pursuant to Fed.
R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant Donald Lawrence or a resident of suitable age and
discretion at 3705 Merion Drive, Martinez, Georgia 30907,
30.
Defendant Columbia County Georgia ("Columbia County" or "County") is
a political subdivision of the state of Georgia. Service may be perfected via mail
or personal service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 upon Defendant Columbia
County's Chief Executive Officer, Ron Cross, Chairman of Columbia County
Board of Commissioners, at 630 Ronald Reagan Drive, Building B, 2'' Floor
Evans, Georgia 30809.
31.
Defendant Columbia County is also and has been at all times relevant to
this Complaint owner and/or operator of the Columbia County Municipal
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Separate Storm Sewer System ("MS4.") The County's MS4 is a source of the
pollutants flowing into the Savannah River via the tributaries of Jones Creek,
Jones Creek, Willow Lake and its attendant streams and wetlands; these
discharges enter the M54 from several sites in Columbia County. The sites
discharging pollutants to the MS4 are Marshall Square, Krystal River, the
Townhomes, Fresenius Medical Care ("Fresenius Medical"), Marshall Office
Park, Mucha Edgardo MD Pension Plan! The Family Y Young Men's Christian
Association! YWCO of the CSRA, Inc. Property ("Edgardo MD! Family Y Site"),
Howell Construction, the Maples Ferry Subdivision ("Maples Ferry"), and the
Estates at Jones Creek Subdivision ("Estates at Jones Creek.") Defendant
Columbia County is responsible for the activities at and related to the MS4 that
have resulted in violations of Federal and State law and impacts to the Plaintiffs.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
I. Jones Creek Golf Course (JCGC) and Willow Lake
32.
The JCGC is a 194.7 acre golf course located in Evans, Columbia County,
Georgia, near Augusta, Georgia. The JCGC has been in use as a golf course for
more than twenty (20) years.
33.
Plaintiff JCI owns and operates the JCGC.
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The JCGC is designed to be reminiscent of the rolling hills of Augusta. A
central feature of the JCGC is Willow Lake, its attendant wetlands and its
tributary streams, including Jones Creek and its tributaries.
35.
Plaintiff JCI owns Willow Lake.
36.
Willow Lake, which is approximately 6.3 acres at full pool, serves as an
aesthetic feature of the JCGC and as a water hazard for the adjacent fairway,
Fairway 11. However, its primary purpose is to serve as the water supply for
irrigation of the golf course. Additionally, Willow Lake also provides
recreational opportunities to members of the JCGC and surrounding residents,
including fishing and boating.
37.
Willow Lake is the sole water supply/ source of irrigation for the entire
JCGC. Willow Lake provides the water dispensed to all 18 JCGC holes, including
tees, greens and fairways and adjacent areas, driving range and all other
common areas of the JCGC through the sprinkler system on a daily basis. During
peak pumping in the summertime, Willow Lake provides 280,000 to 350,0000
gallons of water for irrigation/ greens watering to the JCGC each day.
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38.
Willow Lake has two primary tributary streams. An unnamed tributary
hereinafter referred to as Tributary 1 merges with Jones Creek approximately 300
feet upstream of Willow Lake, and Jones Creek flows into Willow Lake. The
other primary tributary stream, hereinafter referred to as Tributary 4, originates
to the southeast of the JCGC and flows through the JCGC to Willow Lake.
39.
Jones Creek flows from Willow Lake approximately 1.3 stream miles to the
Savannah River.
Jones Creek, its tributaries, and Willow Lake are waters of the United
States.
41.
Willow Lake is located adjacent to the Townhomes and downstream from
the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square. The CSX Crossing,
Krystal River, and Marshall Square discharge to the Jones Creek/ Willow Lake
tributaries, specifically Tributary 1 and Jones Creek, upstream from Willow Lake,
and the Townhomes discharge directly into Willow Lake.
42.
Willow Lake is also located downstream from portions of the MS4 that
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receive discharges of pollutants from Marshall Square, Krystal River, the
Townhomes, Fresenius Medical, Marshall Office Park, Edgardo MD! Family Y
Site, Howell Construction, Maples Ferry, and Estates at Jones Creek; these
portions of the MS4 discharge such pollutants from MS4 outfalls into the Willow
Lake tributaries upstream from Willow Lake, specifically Tributary 1, Jones
Creek, and Tributary 4.
43.
The CSX Crossing, Krystal River, Marshall Square, the Townhomes and the
Columbia County MS4 system are the source of the pollutants discharged onto
Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors' property.
44.
The waterways on the JCGC have historically contained insignificant
amounts of naturally occurring sediment, and historically Jones Creek Investors
and its predecessors have conducted periodic maintenance on Willow Lake to
address past impacts from internal development.
45.
However, Willow Lake and its attendant wetlands and tributaries were
clear and free of any recent or noticeable significant discharges from upstream
sources prior to the commencement of activities, actions and/or omissions of
Defendants, including land disturbing, at the Townhomes, the CSX Crossing,
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Krystal River, and Marshall Square and prior to the commencement of pollutant
discharges from the MS4 that originated at Marshall Square, Krystal River, the
Townhomes, Fresenius Medical, Marshall Office Park, Edgardo MD! Family Y
Site, Howell Construction, Maples Ferry, and Estates at Jones Creek.
II. Savannah Riverkeeper
MI
The Savannah Riverkeeper is a membership organization that acts as an
advocate for water quality of the Savannah River. Its members are individuals
concerned with environmental problems facing the Savannah River.
47.
The purpose of the Savannah Riverkeeper is "to protect the water quality
of the Savannah River and the integrity of its watershed, and to promote an
enlightened stewardship of this unique heritage."
48.
At times prior to and since the commencement of the pollutant discharges
from the MS4 at issue herein, members of the Savannah Riverkeeper routinely
used the waters into which these discharges occur, specifically the tributaries of
Jones Creek, Jones Creek and the Savannah River, for recreational purposes and
to enjoy the aesthetics of the waters and the surrounding natural settings.
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The Savannah Riverkeeper has individual members that use the affected
areas covered by this Complaint and are persons "for whom the aesthetic and
recreational values of the area will be lessened" by the Defendants actions,
omissions, failures, discharges and violation of the law here. These individuals
include, but are not limited to:
a. Tonya Bonitatibus, (PRO - Augusta, Georgia [redacted], who uses the river
for recreational purposes, enjoys it aesthetically and leads guided tours
though impacted areas;
b. Dr. Frank Carl, (PR5) - Augusta, Georgia [redacted], who uses the river
recreationally and has tested Jones Creek water quality on Jones Creek on
repeated occasions;
C. Chuck Hardin of (1'R6) - Augusta, Georgia [redacted], lives in Columbia
County, recreates on the river and owns a stand up paddle board company
that uses the river on a regular basis;
d. George Sancken of (PR7) - Augusta, Georgia [redacted], lives on the river
in downtown Augusta and uses all of the river for fishing as well as
recreation on a regular basis. Mr. Sancken lives directly below where the
discharges from Defendants come out of the canal. In addition, he is a
board member for the Savannah Riverkeeper;
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e. Dr. Ted Weatherred of (PR8) - Augusta, Georgia [redacted], lives in
Columbia County on the river very close to where Jones Creek discharges
into river. He recreates and fishes in these waters on a regular basis and
deposits of the sediment discharged effect his property; and,
f. Sam Booher of (PR9) - Augusta, Georgia [redacted], is a Columbia County
Commission district elected official for the soil and water conservation
district (inspector), he lives in Columbia County, recreates on the
waterway on a regular basis, has participated in Adopt a Stream
monitoring on Jones Creek for many years, and leads trips and tours on
that section of the river and in the canal on a regular basis.
III. Activities, Omissions and/or Failures on Upstream Properties ImpactingJones Creek, its Tributaries, Willow Lake and the Savannah River
50.
Defendants are, or were, at times relevant to this Complaint owners
and/or operators of the Townhomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and
Marshall Square as described above.
51.
Since land disturbing, construction and/or development activities
commenced at the Townhomes, Krystal River, and Marshall Square, discharges
of eroded soils, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, rock, sand, dirt, debris
and other pollutants into Willow Lake and its tributary streams as well as
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attendant wetlands and other jurisdictional waters have increased, resulting in
significant accumulations of sediment and repeated instances of turbid or
visually impaired water.
52.
Since the culvert and embankment failure, land disturbing and/or
construction activities commenced at the CSX Crossing discharges of eroded
soils, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, rock, sand, dirt, debris and other
pollutants into Willow Lake and its tributary streams as well as attendant
wetlands and other jurisdictional waters have increased, resulting in significant
accumulations of sediment and repeated instances of turbid or visually impaired
water.
53.
Since land disturbing, construction and/or development activities
commenced at the Townhomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall
Square, increased amounts of storm water, as measured by rate and volume,
have been discharged into the Tributary 1, Jones Creek and Willow Lake, its
attendant wetlands and other jurisdictional waters. These discharges are rising
in frequency and severity over time and result in significant bank and stream bed
erosion in Tributary 1 and Jones Creek, accumulations of sediment in the creeks,
wetlands, Willow Lake and other jurisdictional waters, repeated instances of
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flooding on the JCGC property and damages to the Willow Lake dam and
spillway.
54.
Visual observations by JCGC staff and Savannah Riverkeeper members in
addition to water quality testing reveal that Willow Lake and its tributaries and
attendant wetlands and other jurisdictional waters on the JCGC property have
been and continue to receive excessive amounts of sediment, eroded soils, rock,
dirt, sand, sediment-laden storm water and other debris from the Townhomes,
the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, Marshall Square and the Columbia County MS4
System on Tributaries 1 and 4 of Jones Creek.
55.
These violations of water quality standards are a direct result of the
activities and/or omissions of Defendants at the Townhomes, the CSX Crossing,
Krystal River, and Marshall Square.
Land disturbing, construction, and/or development activities at the
Townhomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square were
initiated and continued without the proper design, installation and maintenance
of all appropriate erosion and sediment control structures and measures in
accordance with Best Management Practices (BMPs) as required by the Clean
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Water Act, Georgia Water Quality Control Act, and the Georgia Erosion and
Sedimentation Act of 1975.
57.
Likewise, the culvert and embankment failure was allowed to occur and
continue at the CSX Crossing without the proper design, installation and
maintenance of all appropriate erosion and sediment control structures and
measures in accordance with Best Management Practices (BMPs) as required by
the Clean Water Act, Georgia Water Quality Control Act, and the Georgia
Erosion and Sedimentation Act of 1975.
58.
Neither the Georgia Water Quality Control Act nor the Georgia Erosion
and Sedimentation Act of 1975 regulates, manages or governs railroad
transportation or the operation thereof. Moreover, no federal regulations
promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation and related to railroad safety,
including those regulations set forth at 49 C.F.R. § 213.32, cover or substantially
subsume the subject matter of the Georgia Water Quality Control Act or the
Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act of 1975.
59.
Defendants' failure to follow BMPs adequately at the Townhomes, the CSX
Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square has resulted in ongoing discharges
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of pollutants including pollutant laden storm water, eroded soils, debris, dirt,
sediment, storm water run off, dredge and fill material and other pollutants from
various point sources.
These discharges have flowed into the tributaries of Jones Creek, Jones
Creek, and Willow Lake and attendant wetlands; some discharges have
continued on to the Savannah River.
61.
A substantial amount of eroded soils, rock, sand, dirt, debris, mud,
sediment, sediment-laden storm water and other pollutants remain in the
effected tributaries to Jones Creek, Jones Creek, and on Plaintiff JCI's property,
including Willow Lake and its attendant wetlands, as a result of Defendants' acts
and/or omissions at the Townhomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and
Marshall Square.
62.
In addition, Defendants' actions and/or omissions at the Townhomes, the
CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square have and continue to result in
excessive discharges of storm water as measured by rate and volume, into
Tributary 1, Jones Creek and Willow Lake, its attendant wetlands and other
jurisdictional waters. These discharges are rising in frequency and severity over
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time and result in significant bank and stream bed erosion in Tributary 1,
specifically downstream of the CSX Crossing, and Jones Creek; accumulations of
sediment in the creeks, wetlands, Willow Lake and other jurisdictional waters;
repeated instances of flooding on the JCGC property; and damages to the Willow
Lake dam and spillway.
63.
Plaintiffs JCI and Savannah Riverkeeper have made numerous attempts,
through oral, written, and in-person communications with the appropriate State,
County and other agencies to stop the discharges complained of herein without
obtaining a satisfactory resolution to the problem.
Nonetheless, excessive volumes of storm water, eroded soils, sediment and
other pollutants continue to be discharged into the tributaries of Jones Creek,
Jones Creek, Willow Lake and other jurisdictional waters on Plaintiff JCI's
property, including streams and attendant wetlands.
65.
It is a violation of the Clean Water Act to discharge a pollutant or
pollutants from a point source into the waters of the United States without a
permit to do so or in violation of an applicable permit.
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M.
It is a violation of the Clean Water Act to dredge, fill or alter the natural
and/or existing course and flow of jurisdictional water without a permit to do so
or in violation of an applicable permit, or to allow such conditions to remain
unremediated.
67.
The Clean Water Act requires permits under the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES"), Section 402 of the Clean Water Act, 33
U.S.C. 1342, for point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United
States.
LSL*
Sediment, rock, sand, dredged spoil, and dirt are considered "pollutants"
under the Clean Water Act.
The structural failures, land disturbing, construction and/or development
activities complained of at the Townhomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and
Marshall Square involve point sources.
70.
The land disturbing, construction and/or development activities
complained of at the Towrthomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall
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Square involve point sources requiring NPDES permits.
71.
For storm water discharges requiring NPDES permits, a discharger may
obtain either an individual or, if applicable, a general storm water discharge
permit.
72.
In Georgia, discharges associated with construction activities disturbing
one acre or more are covered under the State of Georgia's NPDES General Storm
Water Permit, Georgia Environmental Protection Division Authorization to Discharge
Under the NPDES, Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity for
Common Developments, General Permit Numbers GAR10000I (regulates stand-alone
construction activity disturbing one acre or more) (hereinafter "GAR100001 t') &
GAR100003 (regulates common development construction disturbing one acre or
more) (hereinafter "GAR100003"). GAR100001 and GAR100003 contain
significant common language and requirements, such as requirements that
various operational and record keeping measures to be followed, as well as
individual differences specific to each type of activity. A third version for
infrastructure development which is not implicated here, GAR100002, contains
identical provisions.
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73.
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of GAR100001 and GAR100003,
storm water discharges may not violate Georgia water quality standards set forth
in Ga. R. & Reg. § 391-3-6-.03. GAR100001, Part I(C)(4); GAR100003, Part I(C)(4).
74.
In addition, under the GAR100001 and GAR100003, the Townhomes
Defendants, the Krystal River Defendants, and the Marshall Square Defendants
must maintain appropriate BMPs at all times and a separate violation arises for
each day where BMPs are not in place. GAR100001, Part III(D)(1&2);
GAR100003, Part III(D)(1&2).
75.
Furthermore, pursuant to GAR100001 and GAR100003, where BMPs are
not in place, a discharge which has a turbidity of greater than 25 NTIJs
constitutes a violation. GAR100001, Part ffl(D)(3); GAR100003, Part III(D)(3).
76.
Under GAR100001, Part ffl(A)(1) and GAR100003, Part III(A)(1) the
Townhomes Defendants, Krystal River Defendants, and Marshall Square
Defendants may only discharge storm water and no pollutants.
77.
Likewise, GAR100001 and GA-R100003 require adherence to specific
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engineering principles including the protection of adjoining properties and the
preservation of stream buffers. GAR100001, Part IV; GAR100003, Part IV.
FWJ
GAR100001 and GAR1 00003 also require the installation and use of
velocity dissipation devices whose use is intended to preserve that natural
physical and biological character and function of the impacted watercourses so
that there are no significant changes to the hydrology of the receiving waters.
GAR1 00001, Part IV(D)(3)(b)(2); GAR100003, Part IV(D)(3)(b) (2).
79.
Under GARI00001 and GAR100003, the Townhomes Defendants, Krystal
River Defendants, and Marshall Square Defendants must have an Erosion,
Sedimentation and Pollution Control Plan (or "IESPCP") prior to the
commencement of any land disturbing or other construction activities.
GAR100001, Part IV; GAR100003, Part IV.
I.j
The Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control Plan is required to
address the stabilization measures, structural controls, sediment basins, and high
performance BMPs necessary to control pollutant discharges.
81.
Requirements of the Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control Plan
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under GAR100001 and GARI00003 include:
1. measuring all rainfall and keeping records of said rainfall data;
2. turbidity sampling of outfalls or the receiving waters both upstream
and downstream of the development;
3. such sampling must occur within 45 minutes, but no more than 12
hours, after each occurrence of a .5 inch rain event over a twenty-
four (24) hour period;
4. inspections of the development site are required either once a week
or within twenty-four (24) hours of a .5 inch rain event, and a report
of each inspection must be created and maintained;
5. records of all monitoring performed in accordance with the permit
must be maintained by the permittee;
6. all persons on the development site must comply with the permit
conditions, and there is a duty to mitigate any possible permit
violations or to prevent anything which has a reasonable likelihood
of adversely affecting human health or the environment.
82.
Plaintiff alleges that the following water quality standards pursuant to the
Georgia Water Quality Control Act and set forth at Georgia DNR Rules 391-3-6 et
seq., have been violated as a result of Defendants' failures, actions and/or
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omissions at the Townhomes, CSX Crossing, Krystal River and Marshall Square:
§ 391-3-6-.03(5)(c) which states that all waters shall be free from
material related to municipal, industrial or other discharges which
produce turbidity, color, odor or other objectionable conditions
which interfere with legitimate water uses;
2. § 391-3-6-.03(5)(d) which states that all waters shall be free from
turbidity which results in a substantial visual contrast in a water
body due to a man-made activity... For land disturbing activities,
property design, installation, and maintenance of best management
practices and compliance with issued permits shall constitute
compliance with Paragraph 391-3-6-.03(5)(d); and
3. § 391-3-6-.03(5)(B) which states that all waters shall be free from...
floating debris.., in amounts sufficient to be unsightly or that
interfere with legitimate water uses.
83.
In addition, Georgia DNR Rules 391-3-6 et seq. contain the following
relevant standards which are also applicable here:
1. § 391-3-6-.16(4)(a) which states that all pollutants shall receive such
treatment or corrective action so as to ensure compliance with
effluent limitations established by the EPA pursuant to the Clean
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Water Act; and
2. § 391-3-6-.16(4)(b) which states that all pollutants shall receive such
treatment or corrective action so as to ensure compliance with Best
Management Practices established by the EPA pursuant to the Clean
Water Act.
84.
Georgia DNR Rules 391-3-6 et seq. set forth above in 1[9182 & 83 (hereinafter
referred to collectively as "Georgia Water Quality Standards") do not regulate,
manage or govern railroad transportation or the operation thereof. Moreover, no
federal regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation and related
to railroad safety, including those regulations set forth at 49 C.F.R. § 213.32, cover
or substantially subsume the subject matter of the Georgia Water Quality
Standards.
85.
Defendants have discharged eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock,
sediment, sediment-laden storm water, excess water and other pollutants into the
tributaries of Jones Creek, Jones Creek, Willow Lake, including attendant
wetlands, and the Savannah River as a result of failures, activities and/or
omissions at the Townhomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall
Square.
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Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1311, the discharge of any pollutant into waters of
the United States without a NPDES permit or in violation of a permit obtained
under 33 U.S.C. § 1342 or 33 U.S.C. § 1344 is illegal.
87.
The failure to correct or ameliorate culvert and embankment failures as
well as subsequent construction activities undertaken at the CSX Crossing have
resulted in discharges in violation 33 U.S.C. § 1311 and 33 U.S.C. § 1342 as such
activities resulted in discharges of pollutants. Upon information and belief, the
CSX Defendants do not have and did not obtain at any time relevant to this
Complaint a NPDES permit- or any other §402 permit- to discharge pollutants
from the CSX Crossing.
1I1
Land disturbing, construction and/or development activities undertaken
at the Townhomes, Krystal River, and Marshall Square have resulted in
discharges in violation of GAR100001 and GAR100003, Section 402 of the Clean
Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1342, for discharges of dirt, sand, rock, eroded soil,
sediment, debris, and other pollutants from the Townhomes, Krystal River, and
Marshall Square into waters of the United States.
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These discharges are the direct result of the actions and/or omissions of
Defendants and/or their agents or representatives at the Townhomes, the CSX
Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square.
In addition, the maintenance of failed structures, land disturbance,
construction and/or other development activities at the Townhomes, the CSX
Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square have resulted, and will continue to
result, in the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters of the
United States where the flow or circulation of such navigable waters may be
impaired or the reach of such waters reduced, and where the chemical and
biological characteristics of the navigable waters may be impaired and the
aquatic environment adversely affected, including but not limited to a negative
impact on the chemical, physical, biological and aesthetic value of Willow Lake,
its tributaries and attendant wetlands, yet no dredge and fill permit has been
secured or is proposed to be secured as required under Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1344.
91.
Federal regulations provide that a pre-discharge notification must be
provided to the Army Corps of Engineers if such activities will result in the
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discharge of dredged fill material into special aquatic sites, including wetlands.
33 C.F.R. § 133.
92.
The failure to correct or ameliorate culvert and embankment failures as
well as subsequent construction activities undertaken at the CSX Crossing have
resulted, and will continue to result, in the discharge of dredged or fill material
into navigable waters of the United States. Upon information and belief after
making appropriate Freedom of Information Act Requests from Federal agencies,
the CSX Defendants do not have and did not obtain at any time relevant to this
Complaint a permit under 33 U.S.C. § 1344 for such activities.
93.
At all times relevant hereto, Defendants were responsible for complying
with all applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements concerning land
disturbing, development and/or construction activities related to the
Towrthomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square, including
but not limited too permits for stream buffer impacts and impacts to
jurisdictional waters.
94.
None of the applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements
concerning land disturbing, development and/or construction activities regulate,
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manage or govern railroad transportation or the operation thereof. Moreover, no
federal regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation and related
to railroad safety, including those regulations set forth at 49 C.F.R. § 213.32, cover
or substantially subsume the subject matter of the applicable federal, state, and
local legal requirements.
95.
At all times relevant hereto, it was foreseeable to Defendants that their
activities related to land disturbing, construction and/or development activities
at the Towrthomes, the CSX Crossing, Krystal River, and Marshall Square would
harm Plaintiff JCI and/or Plaintiff JCI's property.
no
Defendants have repeatedly failed to act, investigate, comply, remediate or
otherwise rectify the numerous and repeated violations which have occurred as a
result of their failures, actions and omissions that resulted in discharges
to Plaintiff JCI's property and the jurisdictional watercourses located thereon.
97.
As a result, Defendants' failures, actions and/or omissions have interfered
with or prevented Plaintiff JCI's use and enjoyment of its property and the
watercourses located thereon.
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Md
As a result, Defendants' failures, actions and omissions have interfered
with Plaintiff JCI's exclusive possession of its property.
Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors' property continues to be damaged by
Defendants' conduct described herein
Townhomes at Willow Lake
100.
The Townhomes at Willow Lake, also known as Willow Lake Phase II, is
located immediately adjacent to Willow Lake on its east side.
101.
The Townhomes is located off of Hammonds Ferry Crossing Road in
Evans, Georgia and consists of 10.8 acres of land. Of those, 9.3 acres were
disturbed to construct single-family homes on 43 lots.
102.
Defendant Jones Creek Partners and Defendant Bruce Lyons are and have
been at all times relevant to this Complaint owners and/or operators of the
Townhomes.
103.
In or around October 28, 2008, Defendant Bruce Lyons filed a Notice of
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Intent ("NOl") for reissuance of coverage under GAR100001 for construction
activities at the Townhomes. Defendant Bruce Lyons is identified as the owner of
the Townhomes in the NO!, and he signed his name in the space provided for the
signature of the owner.
104.
Defendant Bruce Lyons is and has been at times relevant to this Complaint
involved in activities at the Townhomes that resulted in the Clean Water Act
violations described herein. As the primary permittee/owner on the
Townhomes NOl, Defendant Bruce Lyons has responsibility for ensuring
compliance with the Clean Water Act at the Townhomes and has failed to ensure
such compliance. In addition, he has received Columbia County warning notices
regarding BMP violations at the Townhomes and upon information and belief he
has remained Columbia County's contact regarding erosion and sedimentation
violations at the Townhomes to the extent that Defendant Columbia County has
inspected for and/or documented such violations.
105.
Additionally, Defendant Bruce Lyons has personally participated in,
directed, ratified, and/or exercised control over the acts and/or omissions
creating the conditions at the Townhomes that resulted in the impacts and
damages to the JCGC described herein. As the primary permittee/owner on the
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Townhomes NOl, Defendant Bruce Lyons has responsibility for ensuring that
excessive storm water and pollutants are not discharged from the Townhomes
and has failed to ensure that such discharges do not occur.
106.
In or around July 2008, Defendant Bruce Lyons received Columbia County
warning notices regarding BMP violations at the Townhomes.
107.
According to a search of Columbia County property ownership
documents, Jones Creek Partners was the owner of the 10.8 parcel of land upon
which the Townhomes is located at times relevant to this Complaint, and it is
currently the owner of at least the roads and other common areas in the
Townhomes.
108.
Jones Creek Partners is also identified as the owner of the Townhomes in
land disturbing permit applications for lots in the Townhomes and as the
primary permittee in several secondary permittee NOIs.
109.
Development and construction activities at the Townhomes have and
continue to directly impact Willow Lake and its attendant wetlands.
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110.
Storm water runoff from the Townhomes flows into Willow Lake. Since
land disturbing, including grading activities, commenced at the Townhomes, the
amount of storm water runoff from the Townhomes into Willow Lake has
increased in rate and volume.
111.
Since land disturbing and other construction activities commenced at the
Townhomes, discharges of eroded soils, sediments, sediment-laden storm water,
rock, sand, dirt, debris and other pollutants into Willow Lake have increased,
resulting in significant accumulations of sediment and repeated instances of
turbid or visually impacted water.
112.
Visual observations by JCGC staff, agents and/or members reveal that
land disturbing and other construction activities associated with the Townhornes
have resulted in discharges of increased storm water and eroded soils, sediment,
sediment-laden storm water, rock, dirt, sand, and other debris onto Plaintiff JCI's
property, including Willow Lake and its attendant streams and wetlands and
other jurisdictional waters, causing significant amounts of erosion, sediment
accumulation and damage to Plaintiff JCI's property, including Willow Lake and
its attendant streams, wetlands and other jurisdictional waters and other
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detrimental impacts to the JCGC.
113.
On information and belief, Plaintiff JCI alleges that discharges in violation
of applicable laws have occurred on specific dates beginning in or around
October, 2008 and continued on November 9, 2009, December 25, 2009, August 3,
2010, March 27, 2011, March 28, 2011, August 5, 2011,October 11, 2011 and are
currently ongoing. These discharges continue through the present, and the list of
discharges in violations of applicable law grows daily.
114.
The Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control Plans for the
Townhomes are deficient and in violation of the Georgia Erosion and
Sedimentation Act, Columbia County's Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance,
the GAR100001, and the Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia (or
"Georgia E&S Manual"). Even if the ESPCPs were implemented as approved,
they would not protect against erosion and sediment discharges from the
Townhomes into Willow Lake.
115.
The initial perimeter control ESPCP for the Townhomes is deficient in
numerous ways, including but not limited to: no temporary sediment basins in
the major drainage paths; no diversion specified above the stream crossing along
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Furys Ferry Road; greater silt fence storage capacity claimed than that allowed by
the Georgia E&S Manual; only twenty-five percent (25%) of the actual site
drainage area to the silt fences is claimed; and engineering errors cause sediment
storage to be less than ten percent (10%) of the Georgia E&S Manual requirement.
116.
The intermediate ESPCP for the Townhomes is deficient in numerous
ways, including but not limited to: no temporary sediment basins in major
drainage paths; no storm drain outlet protection at pipe outlets; no diversion
specified above the stream crossing along Furys Ferry Road; and no sediment
barrier between disturbed areas and streets.
117.
The final ESPCP for the Townhomes is deficient in numerous ways,
including but not limited to: the majority of the required storm drain outlet
protection flow characteristics and apron dimensions are not provided; no
sediment barrier provided between disturbed areas and streets; and no inlet
sediment traps specified for any inlets.
118.
A review of State and Columbia County documents produced pursuant to
open records requests, it appears that the Townhomes Defendants have not
complied with GAR100001 and ESPCP inspection, sampling and record keeping
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requirements, including but not limited to weekly site inspections, site
inspections after rain events, turbidity sampling and rainfall recording.
119.
Visual observation of the Townhomes on May 12, 2011 showed that even
the inadequate BMPs specified on the ESPCPs for the Townhomes have not been
implemented.
120.
Visual observation of the Townhomes on May 12, 2011 revealed that BMPs
on the individual lots are inadequate. Many lots are not stabilized but are
primarily bare soil, and silt fences have not been installed.
121.
According to a search of Columbia County property ownership
documents, Jones Creek Partners owns at least two of the individual lots that are
not stabilized and have inadequate BMPs.
122.
These BMP violations have not been corrected and are ongoing through
present day.
123.
As an owner of the company and the individual in charge of BMP
decisions, Bruce Lyons is responsible for the proper design, installation and
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maintenance of BMPs on site and compliance with related relevant laws.
124.
Defendant Bruce Lyons and Defendant Jones Creek Partners' failure to
properly design, install and maintain BMPs at the Towrthomes has resulted in
discharges of eroded soils, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, rock, dirt,
sand and other debris directly into Willow Lake and into the streets at the
Townhomes. The discharges into the streets are able to enter directly into the
storm drainage system due to the absence of inlet sediment traps, and from there
the sediment and other pollutants discharge into Willow Lake.
125.
As such, Defendant Bruce Lyons and Defendant Jones Creek Partners'
failure to properly design, install and maintain BMPs at the Townhomes has
resulted in discharges of eroded soils, sediment, sediment-laden storm water,
rock, dirt, sand and other debris onto Plaintiff JCI's property, including Willow
Lake and its attendant streams and wetlands and other jurisdictional waters.
126.
Furthermore, Defendant Bruce Lyons and Defendant Jones Creek Partners'
failure to properly design, install and maintain a storm water control system
which prevents the discharge of increased amounts of storm water has resulted
in excessive discharges of storm water to Plaintiff JCI's property and caused
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damages thereto.
127.
These discharges of increased storm water, eroded soils and sediment are
the direct result of the actions and/or omissions of Defendant Bruce Lyons and
Defendant Jones Creek Partners and/or their agents or representative at the
Townhomes.
CSX Crossing
128.
The CSX Crossing is located upstream from Willow Lake on Tributary 1,
upstream and to the northwest from where Southern Pines Road crosses
Tributary 1.
129.
The portions of the CSX Crossing relevant to this Complaint are the
embankment and culverts across Tributary 1, and the CSX Crossing is
accordingly defined as the embankment and culverts for purposes of this
Complaint.
130.
Defendant CSX Transportation and Defendant CSX Real Property are and
have been at all times relevant to this Complaint owners and/or operators of the
CSX Crossing.
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131.
Historically, the CSX Crossing was comprised of one brick culvert in the
railroad embankment.
132.
An inspection of the CSX Crossing by Columbia County on January 26,
2010 showed that the brick culvert had deteriorated to the point of failure with
portions of the culvert caved in.
133.
The deterioration of the brick culvert and the resulting bank failure on the
railroad embankment at the stream crossing resulted in the discharge of
significant amounts of sediment and rock from the CSX Crossing into Tributary 1
and then onto Jones Creek and Willow Lake.
134.
The failure of the CSX Crossing was not inspected, maintained or repaired
in an adequate or timely manner; as a result, the CSX Crossing discharged
eroded soil and sediment into Tributary 1, Jones Creek, and Willow Lake during
every subsequent rain event.
135.
Upon information and belief, neither Defendant CSX Transportation nor
Defendant CSX Real Property took any action to prevent or control these
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discharges for some time despite significant soil loss from the CSX Crossing.
136.
Instead, at some point after the brick culvert failure, subsequent
embankment and stream bank failure and the discharge of significant amounts of
pollutants, including sediments and eroded soils, into Tributary 1, approximately
twenty to twenty-five railroad car loads of medium size rock were used to fill in
gaps in the embankment left by the discharged soils.
137.
In June 2010, it was observed that the brick culvert had been replaced by
two larger seventy-two (72) inch pipe culverts.
138.
The two pipe culverts increased the rate and volume of upstream storm
water discharges and the amount of sediment discharged from Tributary 1 to
Jones Creek and Willow Lake.
139.
The two pipe culverts convey more storm water through the CSX Crossing
at a greater velocity than the brick culvert.
140.
The two pipe culverts conveys more sediment from upstream sources
through the CSX Crossing than the brick culvert.
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141.
In addition, the velocity of the stream and storm water in the stream
channel has increased as a result of the placement of the upstream side of the
culverts above the grade of the stream channel and the failure to align the
culverts with the stream channel upstream.
142.
The increased volume and rate of storm water through the pipe culverts
caused and continues to cause bank failure and erosion downstream between the
CSX Crossing and Southern Pines Road and in Tributary 1 and Jones Creek.
143.
The significant bank failure and bank and bed erosion downstream from
the CSX Crossing is a continuous source of discharges of eroded soils, sediments,
sediment-laden storm water, rock, sand, dirt, debris and other pollutants to
Tributary 1, Jones Creek and Willow Lake.
144.
Since the brick culvert failure and subsequent construction activities at the
CSX Crossing, discharges of eroded soils, sediments, sediment-laden storm
water, rock, sand, dirt, debris and other pollutants into Tributary 1, Jones Creek
and Willow Lake have increased, resulting in significant accumulations of
sediment and repeated instances of turbid or visually impacted water.
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145.
Visual observations by JCGC staff, agents and/or members reveal that the
brick culvert failure and subsequent reconstruction activities at the CSX Crossing
have resulted in discharges of increased storm water and eroded soils, sediment,
sediment-laden storm water, rock, dirt, sand, and other debris onto Plaintiff JCI's
property, including Willow Lake and its attendant streams and wetlands and
other jurisdictional waters, causing significant amounts of erosion, sediment
accumulation and damage to Plaintiff JCI's property, including Willow Lake and
its attendant streams, wetlands and other jurisdictional waters and other
detrimental impacts to the JCGC.
146.
Plaintiff JCI alleges that violations of applicable laws have occurred on
specific dates beginning in approximately October, 2008 and continuing on
January 26, 2010, August 3, 2010, August 17, 2010, October 27, 2010, March 27,
2011, March 28, 2011, August 5, 2011, October 11, 2011 and are presently ongoing.
These violations continue through the present, and number of instances of
violation increases daily.
147.
These discharges and violations of law are the direct result of the failures,
activities and/or omissions of Defendant CSX Transportation and Defendant
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CSX Real Property and/or their agents or representative at the CSX Crossing.
Krystal River
148.
The Krystal River site is located on Tributary 1, west of and upstream from
the JCGC and Willow Lake.
149.
Krystal River is located at 737 and 739 Industrial Park in Columbia County,
Georgia and consists of approximately 12 acres of land. The majority of the
Krystal River property is bare exposed soil with inadequate vegetation.
150.
Defendant Kimlandco, Defendant Southern Site and Defendant Mullins are
and have been at all times relevant to this Complaint owners and/or operators of
Krystal River.
151.
On or around June 5, 2007, Defendant Southern Site filed a Notice of Intent
("NOl") for coverage under GAR100001 for construction activities at Krystal
River.
152.
Columbia County documents evidence payment of the Krystal River site
plan review fee by Southern Site in the latter half of 2009.
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153.
In September 2009, Kimlandco submitted site plans, including an ESPCP,
for Krystal River.
154.
Although Southern Site did not file an Notice of Termination ("NOT"),
Defendant Kimlandco filed a NOl for coverage under GAR100001 for
construction activities at Krystal River on or around February 1, 2010. A project
manager for Defendant Southern Site is identified as the site contact on the 2010
NOl.
155.
In addition, Columbia County identified Southern Site as the party
responsible for BMPs at Krystal River in a memorandum for a Krystal River
preconstruction conference attended by a Southern Site employee on March 16,
2010.
156.
Defendant Mullins is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of Southern Site, and the management of Kimlandco is vested in Mullins.
157.
Defendant Mullins is and has been at times relevant to this Complaint
involved in activities at Krystal River that resulted in the Clean Water Act
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violations described herein. Defendant Muffins is the unifying link between
Defendant Southern Site and Defendant Kimlandco, which share office facilities
and commingle funds. In addition, he was copied on correspondence with EPD
regarding a GAR10000I violation in or around August 2009 and as the primary
officer/manager in both companies Plaintiff JCI alleges that he continues to be
kept apprised of and is responsible for all decisions regarding issues related to
coverage of Krystal River by GAR100001 and any other violations thereof.
Following, Defendant Mullins has responsibility for ensuring compliance with
the Clean Water Act at Krystal River and has failed to ensure such compliance.
158.
Defendant Mullins has personally participated in, directed, ratified,
and/or exercised control over the acts and/or omissions creating the conditions
at Krystal River that resulted in the impacts and damages to the JCGC described
herein. As the primary officer and manager of the companies, he is the
individual in charge of I3MP decisions, thus, Defendant Mullins is responsible for
the proper design, installation and maintenance of BMPs on site and compliance
with related relevant laws. As the primary officer and manager for Defendant
Southern Site and Defendant Kimlandco, he is responsible for ensuring that
excessive storm water and pollutants are not discharged from Krystal River and
has failed to ensure that such discharges do not occur.
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159.
Southern Site and Kimlandco share office facilities.
160.
Upon information and belief, Southern Site commenced construction and
development activities at Krystal River in approximately April 2009.
161.
In or around August 2009, Mullins was copied onto ongoing email
correspondence between EPD and Southern Site employees generally regarding a
Notice of Violation issued to Southern Site for its operation of Krystal River
without submitting an NOl under the updated 2008 GAR100001 in violation of
the Clean Water Act. The Notice of Violation specified that the site was not
stabilized.
162.
Upon information and belief, Kimlandco undertook construction and
development activities at Krystal River in February 2010.
163.
In March 2010, Kimlandco received a land disturbing permit for Krystal
River.
164,
Development activities at Krystal River have and continue to directly
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impact Willow Lake and its attendant wetlands.
165.
Storm water runoff from Krystal River flows into Tributary 1 and then into
Jones Creek and Willow Lake. Since land disturbing, including grading
activities, commenced at Krystal River, storm water runoff from Krystal River
into Tributary 1 and then into Jones Creek and Willow Lake has increased in rate
and volume.
166.
Since land disturbing and other construction activities commenced at
Krystal River, discharges of eroded soils, sediments, sediment-laden storm water,
rock, sand, dirt, debris and other pollutants into Tributary 1 and then into Jones
Creek and Willow Lake have increased, resulting in significant accumulations of
sediment and repeated instances of turbid or visually impaired water.
167.
Based on the review of State and Columbia County documents produced
pursuant to open records requests, the Krystal River Defendants have not
complied with GAR100001 and ESPCP inspection, sampling and record keeping
requirements, including but not limited to weekly site inspections, site
inspections after rain events, turbidity sampling and rainfall recording.
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168.
Visual observations by JCGC staff, agents and/or members reveal that
land disturbing and other construction activities associated with Krystal River as
well as the failure to properly maintain the site have resulted in discharges of
increased storm water and eroded soils, sediment, sediment-laden storm water,
rock, dirt, sand, and other debris onto Plaintiff JCI's property, including Willow
Lake and its attendant streams and wetlands and other jurisdictional waters,
causing significant amounts of erosion, sediment accumulation and damage to
Plaintiff JCI's property, including Willow Lake and its attendant streams,
wetlands and other jurisdictional waters and other detrimental impacts to the
JcGc.
169.
Plaintiff JCI alleges that discharges in violation of applicable laws have
occurred on specific dates beginning in or around October, 2008 and continued
on November 17, 2008, May 14, 2009, May 20, 2009, May 21, 2009, June 2, 2009,
June 3, 2009, June 4, 2009, June 5, 2009, June 26, 2009, June 20, 2009, August 13,
2009, August 14, 2009, August 21, 2009, November 9, 2009, December 25, 2009,
January 12, 2010, January 20, 2010, January 25, 2010, January 26, 2010, August 3,
2010, August 17, 2010, October 27, 2010, March 27, 2011, March 28, 2011, August
5, 2011, October 11, 2011 and are presently ongoing. These discharges continue
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through the present, and the list of discharges in violation of applicable law
grows daily.
170.
Inspections conducted by Columbia County have found violations of
BMPs at Krystal River on numerous occasions starting on or around November
17, 2008 through at least January 2010.
171.
The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans for Krystal River are
deficient and in violation of the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act,
Columbia County's Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance, the GAR100001, and
the Georgia E&S Manual. Even if the Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution
Control Plans were implemented as approved, they would not protect against
erosion and sediment discharges from Krystal River into Tributary 1 and then
into Jones Creek and Willow Lake.
172.
The ESPCP deficiencies include, but are not limited to: an incorrect outfall
sampling turbidity limit of 75 NTU instead of the applicable 50 NTU; insufficient
silt fence; no inlet sediment traps specified for existing drainage structures or
storm drain inlet structures; no temporary basins during the initial perimeter
controls phase; roads, structures, and drainage system construction during the
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initial perimeters controls phase without required BMPs; no storm drain outlet
protection at pipe outlets; no sediment barriers specified on or below high steep
slopes, and no required matting and blankets specified for high steep slopes.
173.
Currently, the upper two-thirds of the Krystal River site is entirely bare
exposed soil with inadequate vegetation, and the lower one-third of the site has
inadequate BMPs consisting of a single breeched sediment barrier.
174.
Currently, almost the entire site has significant gullies and rills that convey
storm water and pollutants across Krystal River; the storm water and pollutants
are then discharged into Tributary 1.
175.
The sediment basins at Krystal River are inadequately sized and
improperly retrofitted, resulting in excessive storm water and pollutant
discharges into Tributary 1.
176.
These BMP violations have not been corrected and are ongoing through
present day.
177.
Defendant Kimlandco, Defendant Southern Site and Defendant Mullins's
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failure to properly design, install and maintain BMPs at Krystal River has
resulted in discharges of eroded soils, sediment, sediment-laden storm water,
rock, dirt, sand and other debris into Tributary 1 and then into Jones Creek and
Willow Lake.
178.
As such, Defendant Kimlandco, Defendant Southern Site and Defendant
Mullins's failure to properly design, install and maintain BMPs at Krystal River
has resulted in discharges of eroded soils, sediment, sediment-laden storm water,
rock, dirt, sand and other debris onto Plaintiff JCI's property, including Willow
Lake and its attendant streams and wetlands and other jurisdictional waters.
179.
These discharges are the direct result of the failures, actions and omissions
of Defendant Kimlandco, Defendant Southern Site and Defendant Mullins
and/or their agents or representative at the Krystal River site.
180.
Furthermore, Kimlandco, Defendant Southern Site and Defendant
Mullins's failure to properly design, install and maintain a storm water control
system which prevents the discharge of increased amounts of storm water has
resulted in excessive discharges of storm water to Plaintiff JCI's property and
caused damages thereto.
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Marshall Square
181.
Marshall Square is located on the headwaters of Tributary 1, southwest of
and upstream from the JCGC and Willow Lake.
182.
Marshall Square is located between N. Belair Road, Evans Town Center
Road, and Evans to Locks Road and on Industrial Park Drive in Columbia
County, Georgia and consists of approximately 57.6 acres of land. The entire 57.6
acres is estimated disturbed acreage.
183.
Defendant Marshall Square LLC, Defendant D.C. Lawrence LLC,
Defendant Joseph Marshall, Defendant Daniel Marshall, Defendant Donald
Lawrence, and Defendant Columbia County are and have been at times relevant
to this Complaint owners and/or operators of Marshall Square.
184.
On or around September 30, 2008, an NOl was filed for re-issuance of
coverage under GAR100003 for construction activities at Marshall Square;
Donald Lawrence is identified as the facility contact. D. C. Lawrence LLC is
identified as the operator of Marshall Square on the original NOl filed on August
17, 2005.
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185.
NBR Investments, LLC is identified as the owner of Marshall Square on the
2008 NOl even though documents filed with Georgia's Secretary of State show
that N13R Investments, LLC changed its name to Marshall Square LLC in June
2008.
186.
Joseph Marshall and Daniel Marshall do D.C. Lawrence LLC are
identified as the owner/developer/contact on September 27, 2007 site plans for
Marshall Square, including the storm drainage plan and the Erosion and
Sedimentation Pollution Control Plan.
187.
Joseph and Daniel Marshall do D.C. Lawrence LLC are identified as the
owners on the 2006 Land Disturbing Permit and Application for Marshall Square.
188.
Defendant Joseph Marshall signed the 2008 NOl as a member of Marshall
Square in the signature space provided for the owner of Marshall Square.
Donald Lawrence is identified as the facility contact on the 2008 NOl.
189.
Upon information and belief, Joseph Marshall and Daniel Marshall are the
managers of Marshall Square, LLC and were the managers of Marshall Square,
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LLC when it was named NBR Investments, LLC.
190.
According to documents filed with the secretary of state of Georgia, Joseph
and Daniel Marshall were managers of the various entities that consolidated to
form NBR Investments, LLC, and Joseph Marshall signed the documents
changing the name of NBR Investments, LLC to Marshall Square, LLC as its
manager.
191.
A July 2006 stop work order was issued by Columbia County to Joseph
and Daniel Marshall do D.C. Lawrence LLC.
192.
D.C. Lawrence LLC is identified as the client for turbidity monitoring and
reporting that was conducted at Marshall Square from approximately August
2008 through March 2009 to purportedly comply with GAR100003.
193.
Donald Lawrence received the results of the Marshall Square turbidity
monitoring, including the turbidity reports showing violations of applicable
turbidity limits and water quality standards described herein, and he received
correspondence from Columbia County regarding BMP violations at Marshall
Square.
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194.
D.C. Lawrence LLC and Marshall Square LLC provide the same Post
Office Box, P.O. Box 2356 Evans, Georgia, as their principal office address to the
Secretary Of State.
195.
Defendant Joseph Marshall is and has been at times relevant to this
Complaint involved in activities at Marshall Square that resulted in the Clean
Water Act violations described herein. He is identified as the owner on a ESPCP
for Marshall Square, is a manager of Marshall Square, LLC, and is a unifying link
between Marshall Square LLC and D.C. Lawrence LLC, which share a principal
office address. In addition, he has been the recipient of at least one stop work
order from Columbia County and BMP inspections from the Marshall Square
BMP contractor; upon information and belief, he has remained a recipient of BMP
inspections showing BMP violations and a contact for Columbia County
regarding erosion and sedimentation violations at the Marshall Square to the
extent that Defendant Columbia County has inspected for and/or documented
such violations. Defendant Joseph Marshall is one of the individuals in a position
to make BMP decisions, thus, he is responsible for the proper design, installation
and maintenance of BMPs on site and compliance with related relevant laws.
Following, Defendant Joseph Marshall has responsibility for ensuring compliance
Irem
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with the Clean Water Act at Marshall Square and has failed to ensure such
compliance.
196.
Defendant Joseph Marshall has personally participated in, directed,
ratified, and/or exercised control over the acts and/or omissions creating the
conditions at Marshall Square that resulted in the impacts and damages to the
JCGC described herein. As an owner, officer and/or manager for Marshall
Square, LLC and D.C. Lawrence, LLC, Defendant Joseph Marshall has
responsibility for ensuring that excessive storm water and pollutants are not
discharged from Marshall Square and has failed to ensure that such discharges
do not occur.
197.
Defendant Daniel Marshall is and has been at times relevant to this
Complaint involved in activities at Marshall Square that resulted in the Clean
Water Act violations described herein. He is identified as the owner on a ESPCP
for Marshall Square, is a manager of Marshall Square, LLC, and is a unifying link
between Marshall Square LLC and D.C. Lawrence LLC, which share a principal
office address. In addition, he has been the recipient of at least one stop work
order from Columbia County; upon information and belief, he has remained a
contact for Columbia County regarding erosion and sedimentation violations at
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the Marshall Square to the extent that Defendant Columbia County has inspected
for and/or documented such violations. Defendant Daniel Marshall is one of the
individuals in a position to make 13MP decisions, thus, he is responsible for the
proper design, installation and maintenance of BMPs on site and compliance
with related relevant laws Following, Defendant Daniel Marshall has
responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Clean Water Act at Marshall
Square and has failed to ensure such compliance.
198.
Defendant Daniel Marshall has personally participated in, directed,
ratified, and/or exercised control over the acts and/or omissions creating the
conditions at Marshall Square that resulted in the impacts and damages to the
JCGC described herein. As an owner, officer and/or manager for Marshall
Square, LLC and D.C. Lawrence, LLC, Defendant Daniel Marshall has
responsibility for ensuring that excessive storm water and pollutants are not
discharged from Marshall Square and has failed to ensure that such discharges
do not occur.
199.
Defendant Donald Lawrence is and has been at times relevant to this
Complaint involved in activities at Marshall Square that resulted in the Clean
Water Act violations described herein. He is identified as the facility site contact
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on the GAR100003 NOT, has accepted responsibility for BMPs related to soil
removed during the Ronald Reagan Boulevard Extension and stock piled at
Marshall Square, and is a unifying link between Marshall Square LLC and D.C.
Lawrence LLC, which share a principal office address. In addition, he is the
recipient of recent turbidity monitoring in violation of applicable turbidity limits
and water quality standards. Defendant Donald Lawrence is one of the
individuals in a position to make BMP decisions, thus, he is responsible for the
proper design, installation and maintenance of BMPs on site and compliance
with related relevant laws Following, Defendant Donald Lawrence has
responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Clean Water Act at Marshall
Square and has failed to ensure such compliance.
200.
Defendant Donald Lawrence has personally participated in, directed,
ratified, and/or exercised control over the acts and/or omissions creating the
conditions at Marshall Square that resulted in the impacts and damages to the
JCGC described herein. Based on his role within Marshall Square LLC and D.C.
Lawrence LLC and his actions and listed responsibility for the Marshall Square
site, Defendant Donald Lawrence has responsibility for ensuring that excessive
storm water and pollutants are not discharged from Marshall Square and has
failed to ensure that such discharges do not occur.
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201.
Columbia County purchased 26 acres of Marshall Square in or around July
2010.
202.
Upon information and belief, Defendant Marshall Square LLC, Defendant
D.C. Lawrence LLC, Defendant Joseph Marshall, Defendant Daniel Marshall, and
Defendant Donald Lawrence commenced construction and development
activities at Marshall Square in or before July 2008.
203.
Land disturbing and development activities are ongoing at Marshall
Square. Daily inspection reports from July and August 2011 show that land
disturbing and development activities related to the extension of Ronald Reagan
Boulevard through Marshall Square are occurring. These land disturbing
activities include, but are not limited to: the disturbance of approximately 7,000
cubic yards of soil, the placement of excess soil from the road project on Marshall
Square as a "stock pile", and the purported installation of BMPs related to the
stock pile.
204.
Development activities at Marshall Square have and continue to directly
impact Willow Lake and its attendant wetlands.
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205.
Storm water runoff from Marshall Square flows into Tributary 1 both
directly and from a large detention pond and thence into Jones Creek and Willow
Lake. Since land disturbing, including grading activities, commenced at Marshall
Square, storm water runoff from Marshall Square into Tributary 1 and then into
Jones Creek and Willow Lake has increased in rate and volume.
206.
Since land disturbing and other construction activities commenced at
Marshall Square, discharges of eroded soils, sediments, sediment-laden storm
water, rock, sand, dirt, debris and other pollutants into Tributary 1 and then into
Jones Creek and Willow Lake have increased, resulting in significant
accumulations of sediment and repeated instances of turbid or visually impacted
water.
207.
Visual observations by JCGC staff, agents and/or members reveal that
land disturbing and other construction activities associated with Marshall Square
have resulted in discharges of increased storm water and eroded soils, sediment,
sediment-laden storm water, rock, dirt, sand, and other debris onto Plaintiff JCI's
property, including Willow Lake and its attendant streams and wetlands and
other jurisdictional waters, causing significant amounts of erosion, sediment
Im
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accumulation and damage to Plaintiff JCI's property, including Willow Lake and
its attendant streams, wetlands and other jurisdictional waters and other
detrimental impacts to the JCGC.
208.
Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors alleges that discharges in violation of
applicable laws have occurred on specific dates beginning in or around July 2008
and continued on July 10, 2008, August 13, 2008, October 25, 2008, November 4,
2008, November 13, 2008, November 14, 2008, November 18, 2008, December 31,
2008, January 8, 2009, February 27, 2009, April 22, 2009, April 23, 2009, April 30,
2009, November 9, 2009, December 25, 2009, January 20, 2010, January 26, 2010,
February 4, 2010, March 8, 2010, March 28, 2010, August 3, 2010, August 17, 2010,
September 27, 2010, October 27, 2010, March 27, 2011, March 28, 2011, May 12,
2011, August 5, 2011, October 11, 2011 and are presently ongoing. These
discharges continue through the present, and the list of discharges in violation of
applicable law grows daily.
IpJ
Inspections conducted by Columbia County have found violations of
BMPs on numerous occasions starting on or around December 31, 2008 through
at least March 2010.
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210.
In addition, monitoring data from water quality monitoring stations
downstream from Marshall Square in Tributary 1 indicates that turbidity levels
spike up to or exceed NTIJ limits during rain events.
211.
For instance, following a rain event on October 27, 2010, turbidity was
elevated downstream of both sediment detention basins located at Marshall
Square and in Tributary 1 immediately downstream adjacent to Industrial Park
Drive; the turbidity measurements were between 254 NTU and 1060 NTU.
212.
The Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control Plans for Marshall
Square are deficient and in violation of the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation
Act, Columbia County's Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance, GAR100003, and
the Georgia E&S Manual. Even if the Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution
Control Plans were implemented as approved, they would not protect against
erosion and sediment discharges from Marshall Square into Tributary I and then
into Jones Creek and Willow Lake and further downstream.
213.
The ESPCP deficiencies include, but are not limited to: incorrect and
deficient BMP details; no storm drain outlet protection shown at pipe outlets/
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required information not provided; no sediment barriers specified on or below
slopes; no required matting and blankets specified for steep slopes above the
sediment basin; no inlet sediment traps on storm drains; and check dam shown
constructed in State waters.
214.
Currently, Marshall Square has graded slopes with inadequate vegetation
and inadequate BMPs that do not meet requirements of the Georgia E&S Manual;
these inadequately vegetated areas are sources of sediment discharges to
Tributary 1.
215.
The inadequately vegetated slopes at Marshall Square include steep slopes
around the southern perimeter of the site and above the large sediment basin on
the northern end of the site.
216.
BMPs on slopes above the large sediment basin, including temporary
down drain structures, have failed and resulted in gully erosion on the slopes to
the sediment basin.
217.
A smaller sediment basin at the north end of Marshall Square is
inadequately planned and built. As a result, turbid water is not retained by
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and/or bypasses the sediment basin and discharges from Marshall Square into
Tributary 1.
218.
In addition, inadequately vegetated and bare areas up slope from a weir
inlet structure on the northeast portion of the site discharge sediment to flows
leaving Marshall Square into the weir inlet structure and into Tributary 1.
219.
Bare soils adjacent to streets and storm drains without adequate BMPs
allow eroded sediments to enter the drainage system and discharge to Tributary
1.
220.
The sediment discharges from the drainage system flow into the inlet weir
structure and into Tributary 1.
221.
Based on a review of State and Columbia County documents produced
pursuant to open records requests, the Marshall Square Defendants have not
complied with GAR100003 and ESPCP inspection, sampling and record keeping
requirements, including but not limited to weekly site inspections, site
inspections after rain events, turbidity sampling and rainfall recording. For
example, turbidity reports for Marshall Square show that turbidity monitoring
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was not initiated until July 2008.
222.
Visual observations on May 12, 2011, August 5, 2011 and October 11, 2011
revealed extremely turbid discharges in the tributary into which the weir inlet
structure discharges.
223.
BMPs such as matting and blankets that were specified on site plans have
not been installed at Marshall Square.
224.
These BMP violations have not been corrected and are ongoing through
present day.
225.
A Notice of Termination ("NOT") of coverage under GAR100003 was filed
on March 3, 2009; the NOT was improperly filed because the site was not
stabilized as required by GAR100003.
226.
NBR Investments, LLC is identified as the owner and primary permittee on
the improper 2009 NOT even though the name of NBR Investments, LLC was
changed to Marshall Square, LLC in June 2008. In the improper 2009 NOT,
Joseph Marshall printed and signed his name in the signature space provided for
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the owner of Marshall Square.
227.
In July, 2011, Donald Lawrence requested excess soil from the Ronald
Reagan Boulevard Road Extension be placed at Marshall Square. According to
document produced by Columbia County pursuant to open records requests,
Donald Lawrence represented that he would install BMPs related to the excess
soil at Marshall Square.
228.
The Marshall Square Defendants' failure to properly design, install and
maintain BMPs at Marshall Square has resulted in discharges of eroded soils,
sediment, sediment-laden storm water, rock, dirt, sand and other debris into
Tributary 1 and then into Jones Creek and Willow Lake.
229.
As such, the Marshall Square Defendants' failure to properly design, install
and maintain BMPs at Marshall Square has resulted in discharges of eroded soils,
sediment, sediment-laden storm water, rock, dirt, sand and other debris onto
Plaintiff Jones Creek Investors' property, including Willow Lake its attendant
feeder streams, wetlands and other jurisdictional waters.
230.
Furthermore, the Marshall Square Defendants failure to properly design,
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install and maintain a storm water control system which prevents the discharge
of increased amounts of storm water to Tributary 1, Jones Creek and Willow
Lake has resulted in excessive discharges of storm water to Plaintiff JCI's
property and caused damages thereto.
231.
These discharges are the direct result of the failures, activities and/or
omissions of the Marshall Square Defendants and/or their agents or
representatives at Marshall Square.
IV. Columbia County's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)and MS4 Permit
232.
The County's MS4 receives discharges from several sites in Columbia
County, including Marshall Square, Krystal River, the Townhomes, Fresenius
Medical, Marshall Office Park, Edgardo MD! Family Y Site, Howell Construction
the Estates at Jones Creek and Maples Ferry.
233.
Marshall Square, Krystal River, and the Townhomes have been
particularly described and discussed in Section ifi supra, and such description
and discussion is incorporated here.
234.
Storm water and pollutants from Marshall Square enter the MS4 through
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the storm drainage system of Marshall Square. The MS4 discharges the storm
water and pollutants from Marshall Square into Tributary 1 through the outfall of
the storm drainage system of Marshall Square, which is identified as an MS4
outfall by Defendant Columbia County.
235.
Storm water and pollutants from Krystal River enter the MS4 through the
storm drainage system of Krystal River. The MS4 discharges the storm water
and pollutants from Krystal River into Tributary 1 through the outfalls of the
storm drainage system of Krystal River, which are identified as MS4 outfalls by
Defendant Columbia County.
236.
Storm water and pollutants from the Townhomes enter the M54 through
the storm drainage system of the Townhomes. The MS4 discharges the storm
water and pollutants from the Townhomes through outfalls of the storm
drainage system of the Townhomes, which are identified as MS4 outfalls by
Defendant Columbia County.
237.
Fresenius Medical is located at 3000 McCrary Court in Columbia County,
Georgia and is comprised of 1.87 acres and an estimated disturbed acreage of
1.52 acres. Storm water and pollutants from Fresenius Medical enter the MS4
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through the storm water system for Fresenius Medical. The MS4 discharges the
storm water and pollutants from Fresemus Medical into Tributary 1 through the
outfalls of the storm drainage system of Fresenius Medical, which are identified
as MS4 outfalls by Defendant Columbia County.
238.
Marshall Office Park is located on McCrary Court and Industrial Park
Drive in Columbia County, Georgia. Storm water and pollutants from Marshall
Office Park enter the MS4 through the storm water system for Marshall Office
Park. The MS4 discharges the storm water and pollutants from Marshall Office
Park into Tributary I through the outfalls of the storm drainage system of
Marshall Office Park, which are identified as M54 outfalls by Defendant
Columbia County.
239.
The Edgardo MD! Family Y Site is comprised of property at 746 Industrial
Park Drive owned by the Much Edgardo MD Pension Plan ("Edgardo Property")
and adjacent property at 756 Industrial Park Drive owned by the Family Y Young
Mens' Christian Association YWCA of the CSRA, Inc. ("Family Y Property").
Storm water and pollutants from the Edgardo MD! Family Y Site enter the MS4
through the storm water systems for the Edgardo MD/ Family Y Site. The MS4
discharges the storm water and pollutants from the Edgardo MD! Family Y Site
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into Tributary 1 through the outfails of the storm drainage systems of the
Edgardo MD! Family Y Site, which are identified as MS4 outf ails by Defendant
Columbia County.
240.
Howell Construction is located at 859 Triangle Industrial Court in
Columbia County, Georgia. It is comprised of 1.0 acre and an estimated
disturbed acreage of 0.56 acre. Storm water and pollutants from Howell
Construction enter the MS4 through the storm water system for Howell
Construction. The MS4 discharges the storm water and pollutants from Howell
Construction into Tributary 1 through the outfall of the storm drainage system of
Howell Construction, which is identified as an MS4 outfall by Defendant
Columbia County.
241.
Maples Ferry is located on North Belair Road in Columbia County, Georgia
and is comprised of approximately 20 acres and an estimated disturbed acreage
of 13.4 acres. Storm water and pollutants from Maples Ferry enter the MS4
through the storm water system for Maples Ferry. The MS4 discharges the storm
water and pollutants from Maples Ferry into Tributary 1 through the outfalls of
the storm drainage system of Maples Ferry, which are identified as MS4 outfalls
by Defendant Columbia County.
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242.
The Estates at Jones Creek is located on Evans to Locks Road in Columbia
County, Georgia. Storm water and pollutants from Estates at Jones Creek enter
the MS4 through the storm water system for Estates at Jones Creek. The MS4
discharges the storm water and pollutants from Estates at Jones Creek into
Tributary 4 through the outf ails of the storm drainage system of Estates at Jones
Creek, which are identified as MS4 outfalls by Defendant Columbia County.
243.
Columbia County is permitted to discharge storm water from its MS4
under the 2007 General NPDES Storm water Permit for Phase II M54, NPDES
Permit No GAG610000 ("MS4 Permit.") The M54 Permit covers all new and
existing point source discharges of storm water from the County's MS4.
244.
According to Part 1II.A.1 of the MS4 Permit, a permittee must submit a
Notice of Intent for Coverage ("M54 NOT") to be authorized to discharge under
the MS4 Permit. The County has submitted a MS4 NOl, although the County's
MS4 NOl is neither signed as required by Part 111.A.1 and Part VI.L of the MS4
Permit nor dated. Because the County has submitted the MS4 NOT, the County
"must comply with other applicable NPDES permit requirements, standards and
conditions established in the... general permit." See 40 C.F.R. § 122.34 &
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122.34(f).
245.
According to Part III.A.1 of the MS4 Permit, the MS4 NOl must include a
description of the County's Storm Water Management Plan ("SWMP.") The
SWMP is incorporated into the MS4 permit. MS4 Permit, Part IV.
246.
The County is liable for compliance with the MS4 Permit and for the
implementation of the SWMP for all discharges from the County's MS4. MS4
Permit, Part ffl.A.3 & Part VI.A. In addition, the County is required by Part VI.E
of the MS4 Permit to properly operate and maintain at all times all facilities and
systems of treatment and control, and their relative appurtenances, owned or
operated by the County to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of
the MS4 Permit and the requirements of the SWMP.
247.
The County is required by Part 11(b), (c) & (d) of the MS4 Permit to not
cause applicable water quality criteria to be exceeded to the maximum extent
practicable. The applicable water quality criteria (hereinafter "Part II Water
Quality Criteria") include:
all waters shall be free from oil, scum and floating debris associated
with municipal or domestic sewage, industrial waste or other
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discharges in amount sufficient to be unsightly or to interfere with
legitimate water uses;
all waters shall be free from material related to municipal, industrial
or other discharges which produce turbidity, color, odor, or other
objectionable conditions which interfere with legitimate water uses;
all waters shall be free from turbidity which results in a substantial
visual contrast in a water body due to a man-made activity.
248.
Part IV of the MS4 Permit requires the County to implement and enforce
its SWMP, "designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the small MS4 to
the maximum extent practicable (MEP), in order to protect water quality and to
satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the [Georgia Water Quality
Control Act."
249.
The water quality requirements of the Georgia Water Quality Control Act
("GWQCA"), O.C.G.A. § 12-5-20 et seq., which are defined as the Georgia Water
Quality Standards for purposes of this Complaint in Section III supra, are set forth
in Ga. Comp. R. & Regs., 391-3--6-.03(5), include the following:
(1) § 391-3-6-.03(5)(b) which states that "[a]ll waters shall be free from...
floating debris. . . or other discharges in amounts sufficient to be
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unsightly or that interfere with legitimate water uses";
(2) § 391 -3-6-.03(5)(c) which states that "[a]ll waters shall be free from
material related to municipal, industrial or other discharges which
produce turbidity, color, odor or other objectionable conditions
which interfere with legitimate water uses";
(3) § 391-3-6-.03(5)(d) which states that "[a]ll waters shall be free from
turbidity which results in a substantial visual contrast in a water
body due to a man-made activity.. . . For land disturbing activities,
proper design, installation, and maintenance of best management
practices and compliance with issued permits shall constitute
compliance with Paragraph 391-3-6-.03(5)(d)"; and
(4) § 391-3-6-.15(4)(a) which states that "[a]ll pollutants shall receive
such treatment or corrective action so as to ensure compliance with...
effluent limitations established by the EPA pursuant to [the Clean
Water Act.]"
250.
The maximum extent practicable is defined in the MS4 Permit as "the
reduction of the discharge of pollutants from a municipal separate storm sewer
system using a combination of best management practices, control techniques,
system design and engineering methods, and such other provisions as described
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in the [SWMP]." Part I.B.11.
251.
A Best Management Practice, or BMP, is defined in the MS4 Permit as
meaning "both structural devices to store or treat storm water runoff and non-
structural programs or practices which are designed to prevent or reduce the
pollution of the waters of the State of Georgia." Part I.B.11.
252.
The SWMP must specify BMPs to be implemented for six storm water
minimum control measures. The six storm water minimum control measures
include illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site storm water
runoff control, and post-construction storm water management in new
development and redevelopment. MS4 Permit, Part IV.A &.B.
Illicit Discharges BMPs
253.
The SWMP must include BMPs that will effectuate the development,
implementation and enforcement of a program to detect and eliminate illicit
discharges into the MS4. MS4 Permit, Part W.B.3. An illicit discharge is any
discharge to a MS4 that is not entirely composed of storm water, except those
discharges authorized under a NPDES permit other than the MS4 permit. MS4
Permit, Part I.B.10.
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254.
At a minimum, the County must implement and enforce the following
illicit discharge minimum control measure BMPs: (1) prohibit, through ordinance
or other regulatory mechanisms, non-storm water discharges into the MS4 and
implement appropriate enforcement procedures and actions, MS4 Permit, Part
IV.B.3.b; and (2) develop a storm sewer system map showing the location of all
outfalls, which is the point where a MS4 discharges to waters of the State, and the
names and location of all waters of the state receiving discharges from those
outfalls, Id. at Part IV.B.3.a. & Part I.B.15.
255.
Pursuant to open records requests, the County provided a map showing its
MS4 outfalls purportedly updated for submission with its 2010 MS4 Annual
Report ("Updated MS4 Outfall Map.")
256.
An illicit discharge BMP specified in the County's SWMP requires the
County to identify illicit discharges and eliminate them by using the ordinances
for nuisance, littering and illicit discharges. County MS4 NOT, at Appx. C.D.1
and C.E.I.
257.
In its SW-MP, the County asserts that the specific regulatory mechanism
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that satisfies the permit requirement to prohibit, through ordinance, or other
regulatory mechanisms, non-storm water discharges into the MS4 and implement
appropriate enforcement procedures and actions is found in Sections 34-148 and
34449 of the County's Environmental Ordinance. County MS4 NOl, Appx.
C.B.1.
258.
Sec. 34-149 concerns illicit discharges, making it unlawful for any person to
connect any pipe, open channel or any other conveyance system that discharges
anything to the MS4 except unpolluted storm water; improper connections in
violation of the prohibition must be disconnected and redirected. Columbia
County Environmental Ordinance, Art. IV, Sec. 34-149.
259.
Sec. 34-148 prohibits discharges to the MS4 of any matter of nature
excepting only such storm water or surface water as authorized in the storm
water concept management plans ordinance for the County. Id., at Sec. 34-148(a).
260.
Because the illicit discharge minimum control measure BMPs are part of
the SWMP, they must be implemented and enforced to the maximum extent
practicable to protect water quality and satisfy Part II Water Quality Criteria and
Georgia Water Quality Standards. MS4 Permit, Parts II & IV.
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Construction Site Run-off BMPs
261.
The SWMP must include BMPs that will effectuate the development,
implementation and enforcement of a program to reduce pollutants in any storm
water runoff to the small MS4 from construction activities that result in a land
disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre and from construction activities
less than one acre if part of a larger common plan of development disturbing one
acre or more. MS4 Permit, Part IV.B.4.
262.
At a minimum, the County must implement and enforce the following
construction site run-off minimum control measure BMPs: (1) an ordinance or
other regulatory mechanism to require erosion and sediment controls, as well as
sanctions to ensure compliance, to the extent allowable, under State or local law;
(2) requirements for construction site operators to implement erosion and
sediment control best management practices; (3) procedures for site plan review,
which incorporate consideration of potential water quality impacts; (4)
procedures for site inspection and enforcement of control measures. Id. at Part
IV.B.4.a, .b, .d, & J.
263.
In its SWMP, the County asserts that its Sediment and Erosion Control
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Ordinance ("E&S Ordinance") is adequate to require erosion and sediment
controls at construction sites. (County MS4 NOl, Appx. D.A.1).
264
The first BMP in the SWMP to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff
from specified construction sites requires the County to subject site plans to an
extensive review process and require implementation of mandatory BMPs.
County MS4 NOl, at Appx. D.B.I. The E&S Ordinance is the regulatory
mechanism that ensures compliance. Id. All commercial properties or
subdivision developments under construction are required to implement erosion
control BMPs that have been approved by the Columbia County Engineering
Services during the site plan review process. Id. The following BMPs are
required for all commercial and subdivision developments: construction site
entrance BMPs, silt fences, sediment control devices in temporary ponds,
temporary vegetation, storm drain inlet protection, and retro-fits to the outlet
structures of storm water control structures. Id.
265.
The E&S Ordinance establishes minimum requirements for erosion and
sedimentation control best management practices. E&S Ordinance, Sec. 34-69.
According to the E&S Ordinance, BMPs must be at least as stringent as the
applicable state general NPDES permit and must be consistent with and no less
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stringent than BMPs contained in the Georgia E&S Manual. Id.
266.
The County is required to periodically inspect the sites of land-disturbing
activities to determine if the activities are being conducted in accordance with the
E&S Ordinance and if the measures employed are effective in controlling erosion
and sedimentation. Id. at Sec. 34-71.
267.
Penalties and incentives, including County requirements upon finding of
violations, are set forth in the E&S Ordinance. Id. at Sec. 34-72.
268.
As set forth in Sec. 34-72, the County requirements upon finding of
violations include: issuance of a stop-work order if a violation consists of taking
action without a permit or the discharge of significant amounts of sediment into
state waters and/or wetlands; issuance of notices of violation (or "NOV") for all
other violations of the E&S Ordinance for the first and second occurrence of such
violation; and issuance of an immediate stop-work order for the third and each
subsequent occurrence of such other violations. Sec. 34-72(b). Stop work orders
are effective immediately upon issuance until corrective action or mitigation has
occurred and apply to all land-disturbing activity on the project site at issue
except for installation and maintenance of erosion and sedimentation controls.
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Id. at (b)(4).
269.
The second BMP in the SWMP for construction site run-off requires the
County to use the E&S Ordinance as a mechanism to control storm water run-off
from construction sites. County MS4 NOl, at Appx. D.C.1. Commercial sites
and subdivision developments are required to implement erosion control BMPs
that have been approved by Engineering Services during the site plan review
process. Id. Inspections of commercial and residential construction sites are
conducted by the County's Engineering Services Department on a continuing
basis; site inspections must be initiated prior to any land disturbing activities and
occur on a daily basis until permanent stabilization of disturbed areas is
achieved. Id.
270.
The third BMP in the SWMP for construction site run-off requires the
County to use its authority pursuant to the E&S Ordinance to enforce approved
erosion and sediment control BMPs. County MS4 NOl, at Appx. D.D.I.
Enforcement actions of violations, including 5-day warnings, 24-hour warnings,
and stop work orders, will be in accordance with the E&S Ordinance. Id. at
Appx. D.D.1 &.2. The County must track the number of deficiencies and type of
action taken against the violator and include such information in the MS4 annual
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report.
271.
Because the construction site minimum control measure J3MPs are part of
the SWMP, they must be enforced to the maximum extent practicable to protect
water quality and satisfy Part II Water Quality Criteria and Georgia Water
Quality Standards. MS4 Permit, Parts 11 & IV.
New Development and Redevelopment Run-off BMPs
272.
The SWMP must include BMPs that will effectuate the development,
implementation and enforcement of a program to address storm water runoff to
the MS4 from new development and redevelopment projects that result in a land
disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre and from construction activities
less than one acre if part of a larger common plan of development disturbing one
acre or more. MS4 Permit, Part IV.B.5. The new development and
redevelopment program/ BMPs must ensure that controls are in place that will
prevent or minimize water quality impacts. Id.
273.
At a minimum, the new development and redevelopment BMPs must
include: (1) the development and implementation of a combination of
appropriate structural and/or non-structural BMPs, including the adoption of
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the Georgia Storm water Management Manual or equivalent local manual, MS4
Permit at Part [V.B.5.a; (2) ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance
of the BMP, Id. at Part IV.B.5.c; (3) use an ordinance or other regulatory
mechanism to address post-construction runoff from new development and
redevelopment projects to the extent allowable under State and local law, Id. at
Part IV.B.5.b.
274.
The County asserts that its Storm Water Control Ordinance effectively
controls storm water runoff to the MS4 from new development or redevelopment
sites. County M54 NOl, Appx. E.A.1.
275.
The Storm Water Control Ordinance, Sec. 34456(b) provides that storm
water management control facilities are publicly owned and/or maintained if
accepted for maintenance by the County.
276.
The first BMP in the SWMP to control storm water runoff from new
development and redevelopment sites is inspection and maintenance of
County-owned detention and retention ponds. Id. at Appx. F.B.i.
277.
An additional BMP for controlling storm water runoff from new
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development and redevelopment specified in the SWMP is structural BMPs.
County MS4 NOl, at Appx. E.D.I. The County's Stormwater Management
Design Manual ("County Stormwater Manual") is a technical guide and sets
minimum design requirements for this BMP but is not intended to replace sound
engineering judgment or practices. Id.
278.
All site plans submitted for new and/or redevelopment will be reviewed
for compliance with the County Storm water Manual. Id. at Appx. E.D.2.
According to the County, the use of a design manual will provide a mechanism
of keeping design standards consistent, and providing adequate storm water
management controls for commercial and residential sites will minimize flooding
and provide for better water quality controls. Id. at Appx. E.D5.
279.
Because the new development and redevelopment minimum control
measure BMPs are part of the SWMP, they must be enforced to the maximum
extent practicable to protect water quality and satisfy Part II Water Quality
Criteria and Georgia Water Quality Standards. MS4 Permit, Parts II & IV.
Failure to Adequately Implement and Enforce the SWMP
280.
The County has failed to implement and enforce the BMP set forth in
II
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Appx. E.B.1 of the SWMP/County MS4 NOl, which is to control storm water
runoff to the MS4 from new development and redevelopment sites by inspection
and maintenance of County-owned detention and retention ponds.
281.
Several County-owned detention and retention ponds, which upon
information and belief are part of the MS4, are located upstream from JCGC and
Willow Lake.
282.
The storm water system for Maples Ferry, which includes a detention
pond, was accepted for ownership and/or maintenance by the County by letter
in or around August 2007. The storm water system for Maples Ferry is located
upstream from the JCGC and Willow Lake. The Maples Ferry detention pond
discharges into Tributary 1.
283.
The detention pond for the Estates at Jones Creek was accepted for
ownership and/or maintenance by the County in or around February 2007. The
Estates at Jones Creek its detention pond discharges into Tributary 4.
284.
Upon information and belief, at least a portion of the Marshall Square
storm water management system, including at least one detention pond, is
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located on property at Marshall Square purchased by the County. The Marshall
Square storm water management system, including the detention ponds, are
located upstream from the JCGC and Willow Lake and discharges into Jones
Creek.
285.
The detention ponds at Maples Ferry, Estates at Jones Creek and Marshall
Square are not and have not been at times relevant to this Complaint adequately
inspected and/or maintained.
ROM
As a result, eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock, sediment, sediment-
laden storm water, excess storm water and other pollutants are discharged from
the outlets of the detention ponds, which are outfalls of the MS4, into tributaries
of Jones Creek and/or Jones Creek and onto the JCGC property, including the
streams, wetlands, and Willow Lake. A portion of these pollutants regularly
continues on from Willow Lake to the Savannah River.
287.
Plaintiffs have observed and continue to observe turbid water in the
detention ponds at Maples Ferry, Estates at Jones Creek, and Marshall Square
and the discharge of such polluted water, which is comprised of eroded soils,
mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, and excess
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storm water, from the detention pond outlets and into tributaries of Jones Creek,
Jones Creek, and Willow Lake.
The County has failed to implement and enforce the BMJ' set forth in
Appx. C.D.1 and C.E.1 of the SWMP/County MS4 NOl, which is to identify illicit
discharges and eliminate them by using the ordinances for nuisance, littering and
illicit discharges.
Site conditions at Marshall Square, Krystal River, the Townhomes,
Fresenius Medical, Marshall Office Park, Edgardo MD! Family Y Site, Howell
Construction, and Maples Ferry are in violation, and have been in violation at all
times relevant to this Complaint, of the County's Environmental Ordinance, Art.
W, Sec. 34-148 & 34-149 because such site conditions cause illicit discharges to be
conveyed and discharged to the MS4.
290.
These illicit discharges are comprised of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris,
sand, rock, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, and excess storm water, and
are discharged from the MS4 into tributaries of Jones Creek, Jones Creek, and
Willow Lake.
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291.
The County has failed to use the Environmental Ordinance, Ch.34, Art. IV,
Sec. 34-148 & 34449, to eliminate these illicit discharges to the MS4.
292.
The County has failed to use the Environmental Ordinance, Ch.34, Art. IV,
Sec. 34-148 & 34-149, to require corrective action to remedy site conditions at
Marshall Square, Krystal River, the Townhomes, Fresenius Medical, Marshall
Office Park, Edgardo MD/ Family Y Site, Howell Construction, and Maples
Ferry. These site conditions and the resulting illicit discharges are ongoing as of
the date of this Complaint.
293.
Marshall Square has extensive bare or inadequately vegetated areas,
including high, wide, steep slopes. As a result, illicit discharges comprised of
eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock, sediment, sediment-laden storm
water, and excess storm water eroded sediments are leaving Marshall Square and
entering the MS4 via the Marshall Square storm drainage system. The M54
discharges such storm water and pollutants from Marshall Square into Tributary
1 through the outfall of the storm drainage system of Marshall Square, which is
identified as an MS4 outfall on the Updated MS4 Outfall Map.
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NO
Currently, Krystal River is primarily bare exposed soil with almost no
vegetation; no stabilization has occurred at the site. As a result, extremely high
rates of soil erosion are occurring and illicit discharges comprised of eroded soils,
mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, and excess
storm water eroded sediments are leaving Krystal River and entering the MS4 via
the Krystal River storm drainage system. The MS4 discharges such storm water
and pollutants from Krystal River into Tributary 1 through the outfall of the
storm drainage system of Krystal River, which is identified as an MS4 outfall on
the Updated MS4 Outfall Map.
295.
The Townhomes is being and has been developed with improper erosion
and sediment control plans. Since land disturbance and other development
activities at the Townhomes were initiated, even the inadequate BMPs specified
on the deficient erosion and sediment control plans have not been installed and
maintained. The failure to implement BMPs on lots in the Townhomes has
resulted in illicit discharges comprised of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand,
rock, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, and excess storm water eroded
sediments leaving the Townhomes and entering the M54 via the Townhomes
storm drainage system. The MS4 discharges such storm water and pollutants
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from the Townhomes into Willow Lake through outfalls of the storm drainage
system of the Townhomes, which is identified as an MS4 outfall on the Updated
MS4 Outfall Map.
296.
Fresenius Medical has on-going erosion problems, including gully erosion
and eroding bare soils that begin at the southern property line. As a result, illicit
discharges comprised of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock, sediment,
sediment-laden storm water, and excess storm water eroded sediments are
leaving Fresenius Medical and entering the MS4 via the Fresenius Medical storm
drainage system. The MS4 discharges such storm water and pollutants from
Fresenius Medical into Tributary 1 through the outfall of the storm drainage
system of Fresenius Medical, which is identified as an MS4 outfall on the
Updated MS4 Outfall Map.
297.
At Marshall Office Park, a steep slope is bare, eroding soil and an area of
exposed soil exists on the detention pond dam near the outlet structure. As a
result, illicit discharges comprised of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock,
sediment, sediment-laden storm water, and excess storm water are leaving
Marshall Office Park and entering the MS4 via the Marshall Office Park storm
drainage system. The MS4 discharges such storm water and pollutants from
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Marshall Office Park into Tributary 1 through the outfall of the storm drainage
system of Marshall Office Park, which is identified as an MS4 outfall on the
Updated MS4 Outfall Map.
298.
The Edgardo MD! Family Y Site has cleared areas that have eroded to
form significant rills on the exposed soil slopes. As a result, illicit discharges
comprised of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock, sediment, sediment-
laden storm water, and excess storm water are leaving the Edgardo MD! Family
Y Site and entering the MS4 via the Edgardo MD! Family Y Site storm drainage
system. The MS4 discharges such storm water and pollutants from the Edgardo
MD! Family Y Site into Tributary 1 through the outfall of the storm drainage
system of the Edgardo MD/ Family Y Site, which is identified as an MS4 outfall
on the Updated MS4 Outfall Map.
299.
Howell Construction has significant areas of exposed soils. As a result,
illicit discharges comprised of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock,
sediment, sediment-laden storm water, and excess storm water are leaving
Howell Construction and entering the MS4 via the Howell Construction storm
drainage system. The MS4 discharges such storm water and pollutants from
Howell Construction into Tributary 1 through the outfall of the storm drainage
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system of Howell Construction, which is identified as an MS4 outfall on the
Updated MS4 Outfall Map.
300.
Maples Ferry has several lots with steep slopes and eroded soils and lots
with exposed soils and/or gravel piles. As a result, illicit discharges comprised
of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand, rock, sediment, sediment-laden storm
water, and excess storm water are leaving Maples Ferry and entering the MS4 via
the Maples Ferry storm drainage system. The MS4 discharges such storm water
and pollutants from Maples Ferry into Tributary 1 through the outfall of the
storm drainage system of Maples Ferry, which is identified as an MS4 outfall on
the Updated M54 Outfall Map.
301.
The County has failed to implement and enforce the BMPs set forth in
Appx. D.B.1, D.C.1, & D.C.2 of the SWMP/County MS4 NOl, which require the
County to subject site plans to an extensive review process and require
implementation of mandatory and/or approved BMPs using the County's E&S
Ordinance.
302.
As set forth in Section III infra and below, the site plans for Marshall Square,
Kiystal River, and the Townhomes are inadequate to prevent erosion and
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sediment discharges from the site, and the mandatory BMPs are not implemented
and have not been implemented at times relevant to this Complaint.
303.
As a result of the inadequate site plans and/or failure to implement the
mandatory BMPs, pollutants comprised of eroded soils, mud, dirt, debris, sand,
rock, sediment, sediment-laden storm water, and excess storm water, are
discharged from Marshall Square, Krystal River, and the Townhomes to the MS4
and from the MS4 into tributaries of Jones Creek, Jones Creek, and Willow Lake.
304.
The site plans approved for Marshall Square by the County are deficient
and in violation of the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act, Columbia
County's E&S Ordinance, the Georgia NPDES Permits for Storm Water
Discharges Associated with Construction Activities, and Georgia E&S Manual.
The site plans are deficient in numerous ways, including but not limited to the
following: details for check dams, retrofits, and silt fences are incorrect and
deficient; storm drain outlet protection is not shown and/or the required
information is not provided; a check dam is shown constructed in State Waters;
necessary temporary and final stabilization is not shown; and inlet sediment traps
are not specified for storm drains.
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