Jay, VT – Damage from silt running into the Jay Branch during construction of Jay Peak Resort’s new golf course must be repaired, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered.nThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last month ordered Jay Peak Resort, Inc. in Jay, Vt. to repair the damage done between 2004 and 2006 when it was building its golf course and discharged material without a required permit. The agency determined that construction workers discharged dredged and fill material into the waters during construction of its golf course in violation of the federal Clean Water Act.

According to EPA, the construction company working for Jay Peak Resort placed dirt, sand and rocks into numerous wetlands and streams, affecting a total of 2.15 acres.

This case was brought to the attention of EPA by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the spring of 2008. Since then, the Corps and EPA have worked together in pursuing this case.

The affected streams on the site flow into Jay Branch Brook, which flows into the Missisiquoi River, which passes into Québec before returning to Vermont and proceeding into Lake Champlain.

The ski resort was ordered to restore the wetlands and streams in order to restore wildlife habitat, sediment trapping, and nutrient removal and transport functions. Wetlands provide valuable habitat for many species of wildlife according to the EPA, and help to protect the health and safety of people and their communities. They filter and clean water by trapping sediments and removing pollutants, and they provide buffers against floods by storing flood water. Wetlands also store and slowly release water over time, helping to maintain water flow in streams, especially during dry periods.

Jay Peak has agreed to complete the restoration work by the end of this month, in compliance with the terms of EPA’s order.