Federal agencies are investigating the managers of the University-owned Hofmann Forest to see if the wetlands were illegally drained.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers are leading an investigation to see if Hofmann’s drainage ditches violated the Clean Water Act.
Representatives of the ACE examined the ditches in January, and, according to Mickey Sugg, a regulator with the Corps’ Wilmington office, at least some of the drainage work appeared to be illegal, The News & Observer reported.
However, the Clean Water Act does allow some ditch draining, according to Sugg.
A spokesperson for the EPA didn’t discuss possible penalties for violating the act, but its website indicates that the improper draining of wetlands could culminate in a six-figure fine.
According to Brad Bohlander, a University spokesperson, N.C. State and its Natural Resources Foundation are cooperating with the investigation.
“The Foundation has always strived to conduct its forest management operations in accordance with the Clean Water Act and has carefully adhered to the North Carolina Forestry Best Management Practices as originally drafted and adopted in collaboration with the Corps of Engineers,” Bohlander said in a statement.
Bohlander said Hofmann Forest LLC and the University are still planning to close the deal despite the ongoing investigations, The N&O reported.