SALEM, N.H. — A Salem man has agreed to pay a $25,000 fine for structures built on his property that violate state shoreland protection laws.
Michael Pantaleo of 20 Glen Road was first cited for violating the state's Shoreland Protection Act after an inspection of the property in October 2006, when DES officials found a retaining wall, dock, large stone patio, fire pit, stairway and other structures all within the zone protected by the act and built without authorization, according to court documents.
The settlement includes a $40,000 fine, with $15,000 suspended contingent upon Pantaleo not violating state environmental laws during the next three years.
The settlement also required Pantaleo to restore the areas that were found in violation, according to a statement from DES.
Pantaleo twice filed requests with the state to build a retaining wall on the property in 2004. He was rejected both times, according to court documents.
"Although both of these requests were denied, the defendant constructed not only a retaining wall without authorization, but the numerous shoreline structures described above," court documents state.
Bill Carter, chairman of Salem's Conservation Commission, applauded the settlement, saying he hoped it would serve as a warning for others considering construction projects near lakes and ponds.
"If you feel you want to do some work, approach the town or commission, and do this the right way," he said.
Earlier last week, the Conservation Commission hosted a presentation by a shoreland expert at a public meeting, who outlined what kind of construction and landscape work is permitted near bodies of water.
Carter said he believed there were other cases of shoreland violations along bodies of water in Salem that state and town officials are unaware of.
"I'm sure this goes on along our lakes and ponds," he said. "It comes down to how well you know your neighbors."
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