U.S. Sues Idaho Over Road Work

Mon., Nov. 6, 1995

Associated Press

The federal government is taking Idaho’s Transportation Department to court, alleging violations of the Clean Water Act by a North Idaho contractor.

U.S. Attorney Betty Richardson said Friday the Justice Department filed suit against the state agency and S.A. Gonzales Construction Inc.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also is taking part in the civil environmental enforcement lawsuit.

The legal action alleges that the Transportation Department and the construction company discharged “a large volume of material” in wetlands adjacent to U.S. Highway 2, involving a tributary adjacent to the Pend Oreille River.

A news release from Richardson said the legal action was filed after the state and the contractor repeatedly failed to correct the violation.

The federal government wants a court order requiring immediate removal of the fill material, along with civil penalties.

Richardson said under the Clean Water Act, the government can get penalties of $25,000 each day the violation continues, and a “substantial penalty” will be requested.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.