Tammany Holding Corporation, Dredging Violation, LA 2002

MANDEVILLE, LA – Tammany Holding Corporation has been penalized for illegally dredging and discharging material into Lake Pontchartrain during the development of the Lakeshore Estates project in 2002. The Louisiana-based company pled guilty to a violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and faced both federal fines and mandated restitution to environmental organizations.

According to court documents, Tammany Holding Corporation proceeded with dredging activities and subsequent discharge of dredged material directly into Lake Pontchartrain without obtaining the necessary permits. This unauthorized activity constitutes a direct violation of federal regulations designed to protect vital waterways and aquatic ecosystems. The incident highlights a concerning disregard for environmental protection protocols during a period of significant residential development in the region.

The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), culminated in a guilty plea from Tammany Holding Corporation on May 9, 2002. The charge stemmed from a knowing violation of 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1) of the Clean Water Act, which prohibits the unauthorized discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Federal prosecutors successfully argued that the company knowingly bypassed the permitting process, demonstrating a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations.

On July 3, 2002, the court imposed a $300,000 federal fine on Tammany Holding Corporation. However, the penalty didn’t stop there. In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to pay $38,000 in restitution, distributed among four environmental groups dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Louisiana’s waterways. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation received $20,000, the Louisiana Environmental Action Network received $10,000, the Southern Environmental Enforcement Network received $5,000, and Keep Our Peaceful Environment received $3,000.

The distribution of restitution funds is noteworthy. By directing funds to grassroots environmental organizations, the court aimed to directly support efforts to mitigate the damage caused by the illegal dredging and to bolster long-term environmental protection initiatives within the Lake Pontchartrain basin. This approach reflects a growing trend in environmental enforcement cases – prioritizing not only punishment but also restorative justice.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, even during large-scale development projects. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue violations of the Clean Water Act to safeguard the nation’s waterways. Failure to comply with permitting requirements can result in significant financial penalties and damage to a company’s reputation, as demonstrated by the Tammany Holding Corporation case.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Tammany Holding Corporation
Crime: Illegal Dredging and Discharge
State: Louisiana
Year: 2002
Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1) – Clean Water Act
Penalty: $300,000 Federal Fine + $38,000 Restitution
Restitution Recipients: Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, Louisiana Environmental Action Network, Southern Environmental Enforcement Network, Keep Our Peaceful Environment

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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