In March, the state’s Water Resources Division, or WRD, issued violation and enforcement notices to the owner of Adelaide Pointe, Ryan Leestma, regarding development concerns.
In April, the WRD met with Leestma discussing resolutions. After the WRD received complaints concerning the construction of a boat launch, it met with Leestma at Adelaide Pointe to conduct an evaluation in May.
The ongoing investigation revealed additional violations released June 18th. In a statement to WGVU, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE, stated the department “issued a Violation Notice/Enforcement Notice to Adelaide Point, LLC after an inspection discovered significant violations of environmental laws and the company’s permit to construct the Adelaide Point marina and associated projects.”
The statement goes on to explain that the developer “conducted extensive modifications to the two on-site peninsulas.”
These notices include work done beyond the scope of what was permitted, and work done without permit authorization, including the placement of concrete structures on the lake bottom, expansion of the central marina, and dredging of regulated wetland.
Leestma has stated that this dredging was accidentally conducted by developers and has since been working to restore those wetlands on his own dime.
EGLE says it anticipates conversations with Leestma to discuss violation resolutions, which could include fines and requirements to repair any damages that have or will occur as a result of the unauthorized work.
Speaking with WGVU, Leestma says that while he is disappointed with EGLE’s findings and believes some of the violations are inaccurate, he looks forward to partnering with them to resolve the issues.
