foxnews Wyoming man files suit over massive EPA fines for building pond

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Wyoming man files suit over massive EPA fines for building pond

By Eric Boehm - Published August 28, 2015

A rancher is taking the Environmental Protection Agency to federal court, asking a judge to stop the agency from fining him more than $16 million because he built a small pond on his property.

Andy Johnson of Fort Bridger, Wyoming says he made sure to get the proper permits from his state government before building the pond. After all, this is America in the 21st century, and nothing done on your own property -- certainly when it involves the use of water -- is beyond government concern.

Johnson is facing millions in fines from the federal government after the EPA determined his small pond -- technically a "stock pond" to provide better access to water for animals on his ranch -- is somehow violating the federal Clean Water Act.

"We went through all the hoops that the state of Wyoming required, and I'm proud of what we built," Johnson said. "The EPA ignored all that."

In a compliance order, the EPA told Johnson he had to return his property -- under federal oversight -- to conditions before the stock pond was built. When he refused to comply, the EPA tagged Johnson with a fines of $37,000 per day.

Dismantling the pond within the 30-day window the EPA originally gave him was "physically impossible," Johnson said.

That was in 2012. Today, Johnson owes the federal government more than $16 million, and the amount is growing as he tries to fight back.

In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court on Thursday, lawyers representing Johnson argue the EPA overstepped its authority by fining the rancher.

Original Article and Video

 

[DocM]

EPA caused a major toxic spill in Colorado, dumping heavy metals that will pollute riverbeds for decades at least,

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/10/us/colorado-epa-mine-river-spill/

but now it hammers a guy for digging a pond. Odds are wildlife, especially federally protected migratory birds, will benefit from the pond as much as the farmer.

Figures....

[The Evil Overlord]

EPA causes a major toxic spill, dumping heavy metals that will pollute riverbeds for decades at least, but it hammers a guy for digging a pond. Odds are wildlife, especially birds, will benefit from the pond as much as the farmer.

Figures....

Looks like British councils and the EPA have more in common than I had originally thought

[jnelsoninjax]

Typical government BS. He got the permits, so everything was on the up and up, but then big brother comes by and says no no, you should've checked with us, therefore here's a fine. Sounds about right.