Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Nancy Miller, 507-280-3590 Rochester, Minn. - Hiniker Homes Inc., a residential construction company located in Mankato, has paid $32,453 for alleged stormwater permit violations. In addition, the company has made changes to its operating practices so that similar problems do not occur in the future. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff documented violations of erosion and sediment control requirements during multiple inspections of three Hiniker Homes construction sites in Mankato's Country Club Estates development. Further investigation revealed inconsistent inspection and maintenance practices and incomplete stormwater pollution prevention plans. To prevent future violations, Hiniker Homes installed various erosion and sediment controls at each construction site. In addition, company employees have attended erosion and sediment control certification training workshops to gain a better understanding of stormwater permit requirements. Hiniker Homes has also updated their stormwater pollution prevention plans. Sediment and other pollutants associated with stormwater can seriously degrade the quality of streams, lakes and rivers. The MPCA offers training and other educational materials to developers, contractors and local units of government so that they understand and can abide by stormwater regulations. The settlement, known as a stipulation agreement, is one of the tools used to achieve compliance with environmental laws. When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violation affected the environment, whether it was a first time or repeat violation and how promptly the violation was reported to the appropriate authorities. The agency also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner. For a comprehensive list of enforcement actions by the MPCA, visit the agency Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/newscenter/enforcement.html.