Source: Walker County Register - According to LaFayette director of public works Richard Moore, the city has temporarily halted construction of its planned softball complex.  “We have been put under a temporary stop work order since April 9,” Moore said.  The Georgia Environmental Protection Division called for the halt in construction because the city didn’t have the proper erosion, soil, and sediment control plans required by the agency for the disturbance of a wetland.  The property being developed by the city was purchased in January for $350,000 as a part of the Caron Knitting facility that sits on the LaFayette bypass.  Asked why the city didn’t have the plan in place before the construction began, Moore explained, “I didn’t anticipate that it (the property) would fall into that category. It was a pasture field. There was no vegetation around this drainage ditch that indicated that it was a wetland or low-lying area. This drainage ditch was dry when we began construction.”

The drainage ditch in question extends from the LaFayette bypass, through the property where the fields are to be constructed, and empties into Town Creek.  Moore said he believed the ditch was cut at the same time the bypass was constructed.  Acadia of Chattanooga was called on by the city to draw up the erosion control, soil, and sedimentation plans for the city.  “We now have the plans today,” Moore said. “At this point in time, we can begin work on the added soil and erosion control blankets. We already have a brush barrier in place along town Creek along with silt fence.”  Moore said that the additional structures would line the drainage ditch in question by EPD.

“Once we get these drainage and erosion control structures in place, the engineer will come back out and then he will notify EPD that all these structures are in place,” said Moore.  Although the city is following the EPD mandates in regards to the ditch on the property, it will seek a variance from the department to redirect the water from it into a 42-inch pipe that will ultimately be buried underneath the complex once it is constructed.  Moore said that without the variance the complex cannot be completed as first hoped.  “We might be able to put in one field or some other configuration but at the present, we simply don’t know. I’ll simply see how it all fits,” said Moore.

Asked about that the acquisition of any additional permits Moore said, “When all this first began with EPD, we submitted a payment for all and any permits we needed. I am not sure of the total amount but it was so much based on the number of acres we disturbed. I think we are looking at right around 10 acres. I believe it was $72 per acre. That has been mailed and we have gotten returned receipts.”  Asked if any penalties would be held against the city Moore said, “At this point, I do not know. There has not been any correspondence to that possibility, but I do not know at this time.”  Moore expressed frustration over the hold on construction.  “This is not-for-profit. This is for the city and county kids. It’s not for any monetary gain but for the recreational value it will provide our kids. Right now we have softball teams struggling to find a place to practice,” Moore said.  Moore said the Army Corp of Engineers will also be meeting with city officials to discuss issues concerning the displacement of a wetland.