September 27, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WETLAND FILLER SERVING SIX MONTHS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2002

WETLAND FILLER SERVING SIX MONTHS
-- Marion County man jailed for filling over three acres of hardwood forested wetlands --

Yesterday, Marion County Judge John Futch sentenced Kenneth Therrien to six months jail and a $5000 fine for filling over three acres of wetlands on Therrien’s property near Silver Springs. The sentencing stemmed from a criminal investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The investigation began in response to complaints by a neighbor of Therrien’s who feared that Therrien’s work would cause flooding on neighboring land. Therrien refused to stop filling the wetlands despite government entreaty on at least three occasions. "DEP will continue to go after people like Therrien who openly flout Florida law," said Thomas S. Tramel, director of DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement.. "Mr. Therrien made his choice and now he is reaping the consequences."

Therrien checked with DEP last November to learn if there were wetlands on his property. In December, DEP confirmed that there were wetlands on the property. DEP also told him to cease filling the wetlands and return them to their original state. Therrien continued filling despite a second visit and appeal by DEP. In view of this blatant disregard of environmental regulations, DEP subsequently launched a criminal investigation. In August, Therrien was found guilty of failure to obtain a permit to fill wetlands and he was ordered by Judge Futch to offer a plan to restore the property or face jail time. Yesterday, Therrien refused to offer a restoration plan and was sentenced to six months jail. A civil case remains open against Therrien to ensure restoration of the property. "Judge Futch sent a message here that violators will be held accountable when they disregard the regulations," said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. "Even after Mr. Therrien serves his time, he remains on the hook to restore those wetlands." Marion County has been a hot bed for illegal dredging and filling. Currently, DEP has 60 open investigations into illegal dredging and filling of wetlands in Marion County. CONTACT: David Herbster @ 321 229-8926