Bella Vista Island in June of 2013, after owner Anwar Faisal was cited for violations, including this seawall, and removal of vegetation. Neighb News file photo by Beth David.
MassDEP Press Release
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) penalized Fairhaven resident Anwar Faisal $46,950 for unauthorized work performed at his Bella Vista Island property. The violations included the construction of 93 linear feet of new unpermitted seawall, 170 feet of improperly reconstructed seawall, unpermitted placement of stone revetment within a coastal beach, removal of large stones from a coastal beach that were utilized for a sea wall, and the clearing of a wetlands buffer zone.
The Fairhaven Conservation Commission had issued three enforcement orders relative to unauthorized work on the property in 2010 and 2011. In June 2012, Fairhaven commission officials issued an order of conditions to Faisal for site improvements, stabilization and restoration work. However, the commission informed MassDEP officials in 2013 that additional violations on the property had been observed.
In addition to the violations noted, MassDEP found 526 square feet of coastal beach and 263 linear feet of coastal bank had been altered without valid approval.
“Regulations clearly forbid new, unpermitted engineering structures on a coastal beach, the unpermitted placement of toe stones and the alteration of coastal wetland resource areas,” said Millie Garcia-Serrano, director of MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office in Lakeville. “Extending the seawall well beyond the dwelling was unnecessary to protect it from erosion.”
In an agreement with MassDEP, Faisel has agreed to pay the $46,950 penalty. He must also submit a plan for approval that includes construction according to what was previously approved by the local commission, removal of the expanded revetment, details and dredging work necessary to ensure that no part of the work shall be reconstructed seaward of the present position, construction of the existing seawall to curve landward and be integrated into the lawn area, and revegetation of the coastal bank disturbed by the work.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
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