Mat-Su Borough Assemblymember Robert Yundt and his company must pay $107,000 in penalties for construction activity at Wasilla and Cottonwood lakes. Both lakes are important spawning habitat for coho and sockeye salmon.
From 2019 through 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, found that Yundt and his company used heavy earthmoving equipment to fill wetland areas and add rip-rap to the shoreline at three sites. Yundt will pay $77,500 and his company will pay $27,500. EPA representatives say that Yundt has already paid $29,500, but the remainder of the fine will be due 30 days after the Consent Decree becomes effective.
Yundt initially agreed to submit plans and restore the sites in 2021. However, he did not file plans or complete the restoration by July 2022. The EPA found that Yundt failed to comply with the Consent Agreement and sought additional fines.
The new Consent Agreement requires that Yundt and his company remove the fill and restore habitat along the Wasilla Lake shoreline. In addition, they will restore and preserve wetlands adjacent to Cottonwood Lake in perpetuity through an environmental covenant. Earthwork associated with the remediation is expected to be completed this summer.
Yundt and his company will be required to submit annual monitoring reports to the EPA. If the sites are not meeting performance standards by that time, the EPA may extend the monitoring period. Yundt will be responsible for all costs associated with remediation and monitoring.
The public is invited to comment on the Consent Decree by August 30th.
