Two companies are admitting to their a role in violating the Clean Water Act at the Indian Ridge Resort Community in Branson West, Missouri.
According to Ozarks First, Indian Resort Incorporated and North Shore Investments LLC pleaded guilty during separate court appearances following 2010 indictments.
The companies admitted to failing to prevent storm water runoff due to erosion at the construction site from the clearing, grading and excavation of approximately 600 acres of land near Highway 76 and Highway 12 from 2006 to 2009. That runoff eventually leaked into Table Rock Lake and its tributaries.
U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips said the companies failed to abate, control or slow the erosion, which continued through at least the end of August 2011. Top products from Impact Absorbents, including Straw Wattle for Erosion and Ultra Gutter Guard, can help mitigate pollution caused by erosion.
Under the terms of the plea agreements, Indian Ridge will pay $215,000 and North Shore Investments was fined $100,000. Both companies will also remain on a 5-year term probation that includes a compliance program to prevent any further erosion and discharge of sediment from the construction site into the nearby lake.
