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September 5, 2003Clous' bridge plans are met with fury40 turn out for hearing; only 2 speak in favorByRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - Bill Clous' plan to build two bridges on land that is the subject of alleged environmental violations met with public opposition Thursday, including protesters who carried signs saying he was wanted for "eco-crimes" Department of Environmental Quality officials held a public hearing about applications for bridges to be constructed over two creeks on Clous' East Bay Township property between Hammond, Townline and Three Mile roads. The DEQ has 90 days to decide whether to approve the permits, but even if the DEQ lets Clous move ahead, the developer and president of Eastwood Custom Homes may still not be able to build his bridges. Maureen Templeton, Grand Traverse County's drain commissioner, was applauded by some in the crowd when she said county approval would also be required and that she would not grant it. She said she would not approve the bridge permits until resolution of a pending civil case against Clous over alleged soil erosion control violations. An investigation by her office led to civil charges filed against Clous that could cost him more than $600,000 in fines if he is found responsible for the soil erosion control violations. Clous also is the subject of a DEQ investigation for wetlands violations. Clous has maintained he intends to farm the property and environmental regulations don't apply under an agricultural exemption. DEQ official Barry Peterman attempted to limit public comment to the potential environmental impact that bridge construction could have on the Mitchell Creek Watershed, but many at the hearing argued the permits should be denied based on environmental damage they say Clous has already committed. "I think it would send the wrong message to responsible developers in the region who follow the law," said Ken Smith, chair of the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council, one of several environmental activists who spoke at the meeting. Noting that much of the alleged wetlands destruction has already taken place and the enforcement only came afterward, local activist Bob Russell also asked that the permits be denied. "I urge you not to issue any permits until you have the ability to monitor the situation," Russell said. Clous' attorney, Matthew Vermetten, told DEQ officials the bridges are needed for agricultural purposes. Vermetten said the bridges are proposed at the same locations where now-defunct agricultural bridges once stood. Clous did not attend the hearing, but two of the around 40 in attendance spoke in favor of his right to do what he wants with his property. A man who identified himself as a neighbor living downstream from the Clous property said he did not oppose the bridge permits. "I have absolutely no objection whatsoever," he said. Another neighbor, Dean Kolden, who said he opposes environmental regulations in general, said he believed Clous' property rights have been trampled. "What you had there was a mob, that's exactly what you had there today," Kolden said of the group who showed up at the meeting to oppose the permit.
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