Region 10 Resolves Matter Against Dave Erlanson, Sr. for CWA Violations (Elk City, ID)
On June 17, 2016, EPA Region 10 filed an administrative complaint against Dave Erlanson, Sr. for
suction dredge mining in the South Fork of the Clearwater River on July 22, 2015, without an National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The U.S. Forest Service conducted
inspections on the river and documented Mr. Erlanson?s unpermitted discharge. At the time of
discharge, coverage under EPA?s Idaho Suction Dredge Mining General Permit was unavailable. The
South Fork Clearwater River is on the 303(d) list as water quality limited for sediment ? a pollutant
discharged through suction dredge mining activities. The South Fork Clearwater River is also
designated critical habitat for steelhead trout and essential fish habitat for Chinook and Coho salmon.
Although suction dredge mining activities are now authorized under an NPDES General Permit in a
portion of the river, it is during one 30-day window with numerous conditions, including a limit on the
number of suction dredge miners.
On June 5, 2017, EPA Region 10 filed a motion for accelerated decision, arguing that a hearing was
unnecessary because: (1) Mr. Erlanson was responsible for discharging pollutants to the South Fork
Clearwater River without a permit; and (2) Mr. Erlanson was obligated to pay a penalty of $6,600 based
on EPA?s penalty calculation pursuant to its Clean Water Act settlement penalty policy.