Orleans logger ordered to pay $60,000 in civil penalties

NEWPORT — A logger from Orleans has been ordered to pay $60,000 in civil penalties for violating Vermont’s water quality and heavy cut timber laws.

A court-approved settlement requires Reginald Riendeau to comply with a harvest plan for any new logging activity and to give notice to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation before any new logging activity for the next three years.

Mr. Riendeau admitted that he failed to follow the Acceptable Management Practices for Logging resulting in discharges to state waters in Wheelock and Albany, conducted logging activities within a protected wetland and its buffer zone, and heavy cut more than 40 acres without Department approval

“There is no excuse for not protecting water quality on logging jobs,” said Attorney General Bill Sorrell. “Our forests are a vital part of our environment and economy. Following good management practices is critical to protecting our forests and keeping state waters clean,” he added.

Under a previous order by Washington Superior Court in this case, Mr. Riendeau performed the necessary remediation at the Albany site.

“We are encouraged by the settlement and feel that it sends a message to those in the forest industry who disregard state statutes,” Steven Sinclair, Director of Forests at the Department, stated. “Requiring a harvest plan will ensure that future logging by Reginald Riendeau will follow state laws.”