NOVEMBER 12, 2025 - EXPEDITED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND FINAL
The undersigned representatives of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Meritage Homes (Respondent) enter into this Expedited Settlement Agreement (ESA or Agreement) to resolve Respondent's civil penalty liability for alleged violations of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System storm water permit cited above (Permit). On 10/26/2023 representatives
of the EPA inspected the Respondent's site at Huckleberry Ford and Walnut Drive, Dawsonville, Georgia, 30534 (Site). Observations indicated operations at the Site were not in compliance with the requirements of the Permit.
Based on information obtained during the EPA inspection, the EPA found that: (1) Respondent, who is the owner and operator of the Site, failed to comply with the Permit, which was issued pursuant to section 402 of the Clean Water Act (Act), 33 U.S.C. ? 1342; (2) Respondent is a person as defined in Section 502(5) of the Act, 33 U.S.C. ? 1362(5); and (3) Respondent is responsible for the
alleged violations specified in the attached Inspection Findings, Alleged Violations, and Proposed Penalty Form (Alleged Violations Form). The Alleged Violations Form is hereby incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
The EPA also finds, and Respondent admits, that the EPA has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to Section 309(g) of the Act, 33 U.S.C. ? 1319(g). Respondent neither admits nor denies the factua