http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/...tcmp=hpbt1

Quote:A Wyoming man threatened with $16 million in fines over the building of a stock pond reached a settlement with the Environment Protection Agency, allowing him to keep the pond without a federal permit or hefty fine.

Andy Johnson, of Fort Bridger, Wyoming obtained a state permit before building the stock pond in 2012 on his sprawling nine-acre farm for a small herd of livestock.

Not long after contruction, the EPA threatened Johnson with civil and criminal penalties – including the threat of a $37,500-a-day fine -- claiming he needed the agency's permission before building the 40-by-300 foot pond, which is filled by a natural stream.

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The only conditions, according to Johnson's lawyers, are that willow trees be planted around the pond and a partial fence installed to "control livestock."

"This is a victory for common sense and the environment, and it brings an end to all the uncertainty and fear that the Johnson family faced,” said Jonathan Wood, a staff attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation who represented Andy Johnson in his court challenge to the EPA, and in negotiating the settlement.

Not sure how many folks here have experience working with EPA folks directly. In a nutshell they're the epitome of "book smart", real world stupid. If there isn't an official policy they basically can't figure it out. This is a perfect example of why these issues should be left to the states. The feds can't possibly understand more about local issues but they'll sure as hell fine you into oblivion for non-compliance.

(05-11-2016 10:01 AM)Hood-rich Wrote:  http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/...tcmp=hpbt1

Quote:A Wyoming man threatened with $16 million in fines over the building of a stock pond reached a settlement with the Environment Protection Agency, allowing him to keep the pond without a federal permit or hefty fine.

Andy Johnson, of Fort Bridger, Wyoming obtained a state permit before building the stock pond in 2012 on his sprawling nine-acre farm for a small herd of livestock.

Not long after contruction, the EPA threatened Johnson with civil and criminal penalties – including the threat of a $37,500-a-day fine -- claiming he needed the agency's permission before building the 40-by-300 foot pond, which is filled by a natural stream.

----
The only conditions, according to Johnson's lawyers, are that willow trees be planted around the pond and a partial fence installed to "control livestock."

"This is a victory for common sense and the environment, and it brings an end to all the uncertainty and fear that the Johnson family faced,” said Jonathan Wood, a staff attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation who represented Andy Johnson in his court challenge to the EPA, and in negotiating the settlement.

Not sure how many folks here have experience working with EPA folks directly. In a nutshell they're the epitome of "book smart", real world stupid. If there isn't an official policy they basically can't figure it out. This is a perfect example of why these issues should be left to the states. The feds can't possibly understand more about local issues but they'll sure as hell fine you into oblivion for non-compliance.

That was an inane case. Glad he won.

But I'm not so sure states are better at handling this sort of thing. Georgia's gutted EPD will basically side on the side of industry or development, and that has had some pretty disastrous consequences over the years.

Course, let's face it. Natural resources are there to be used up and exploited. Future generations just got here too late, tough luck them.

Love it. Every EPA defeat is a victory for America.

(05-11-2016 10:01 AM)Hood-rich Wrote:  Not sure how many folks here have experience working with EPA folks directly. In a nutshell they're the epitome of "book smart", real world stupid. If there isn't an official policy they basically can't figure it out.

Yep.

There are a few people who have some common sense, but most of the people I have dealt with from the EPA are either as you described or environmental zealots without a clue how the real world works.