On our property there is a dam that creates a pond in our backyard. The dam was vandalized and blew out in a hurricane. The Corp said since the dam was old and was created under a agricultural exemption, we could reconstruct it as is with no permit. We started moving some dirt, the Corp came to look at it, and immediately sent us an email telling us to stop because we had no erosion or silt protection. We stopped, and the next day had an unexpected and underestimated storm come through that washed out what fencing we did have.
Two days later, the Corp sent another email saying to acknowledge we had received the first email or she would involve the EPA and the DOJ. We were stunned. It feels like a huge over-reaction. We have made it clear we want to be in compliance and need to know what is expected.
How do we deal with this? What exactly is the role of the Corp in this? How do we get them to tell us how to do this right? And what are our rights?j
Thanks for any and all help with this.
