Nessel, EGLE announce action against Schlicht Ponds
Authorities: Company did not secure proper permits, violated environmental law
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has initiated legal action on behalf of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) against Scott Schlicht and Schlicht Ponds, also known online as pondperfection.com, due to the company's numerous and repeated violations of Michigan's environmental laws.
In many cases, Schlicht Ponds either failed to secure a legally required permit from EGLE or obtained the necessary permit but then violated its conditions.
"Michigan is home to world-class natural resources, but that will only continue to be true as long as we defend them," said Nessel. "When people break the law and pollute our land and waterways, my office will take action to strongly enforce our environmental protection laws."
The lawsuit seeks relief under the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to hold Schlicht Ponds accountable for the damages they have caused to the state's natural resources and to prohibit Schlicht Ponds from further violations.
Schlicht Ponds constructs ponds for residential customers and advertises the following services: general excavation projects, pond design, construction, and maintenance, as well as dredging of bottomlands within lakes, canals, and streams in all Michigan counties.
In the complaint, Nessel alleges that Schlicht Ponds performed such services at properties in several counties throughout the State of Michigan, including Genesee, Jackson, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Roscommon, and Washtenaw Counties.
Despite repeated notices by EGLE that it had acted illegally, Schlicht Ponds continued to do business and commit similar violations at numerous properties, Nessel alleges in a release.