Ronald Lavigueure, Water Pollution, WA 2001

Snohomish County, WA – A Washington man was brought to justice after years of non-compliance following an illegal modification of a protected waterway. Ronald Lavigueure was initially charged in 1997 with violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) for altering a section of the West Fork of Woods Creek, a tributary of the Skykomish River. The alterations were made to facilitate the construction of a private recreational area, including a swimming pool, ponds, and bridges, all without the necessary permits.

According to court documents, Lavigueure’s extensive project involved the placement of rip-rap and significant reshaping of the creek bed. The area impacted fell within a designated conservancy zone established by Snohomish County, intended to protect the ecological integrity of the waterways. Investigators discovered the unpermitted construction and initiated the federal investigation that led to the criminal charges.

Lavigueure pled guilty to one count of negligent violation of the CWA – specifically, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – on February 5, 1997. He was sentenced to 36 months of probation, 150 hours of community service, and, critically, was ordered to fully restore the West Fork of Woods Creek to its original condition. This restoration was intended to mitigate the environmental damage caused by his unauthorized construction.

However, Lavigueure failed to comply with the restoration order, prompting further legal action. By October 10, 2001, the defendant had made little to no progress in repairing the damage to Woods Creek. He appealed the original sentence before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, requesting an extension. The judge granted an extension, pushing the deadline for completion of the restoration work to October 10, 2002. This extension underscores the difficulty authorities faced in enforcing the initial sentence and ensuring environmental remediation.

The case highlights the serious consequences of unauthorized modifications to protected waterways. The Clean Water Act is designed to safeguard the nation’s waters, and violations – even those deemed “negligent” – can result in criminal penalties and mandated restoration efforts. The protracted legal battle in this case demonstrates the commitment of both federal and local authorities to enforcing environmental regulations, even when faced with prolonged non-compliance.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Ronald Lavigueure
State: Washington
Year of Initial Charge: 1997
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Negligent violation of the Clean Water Act
Original Sentence: 36 months probation, 150 hours community service, creek restoration
Restoration Failure: Defendant failed to restore the creek, leading to an appeal and extended deadline.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on the completion, or lack thereof, of the mandated restoration work.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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