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DEP May Levy $26K Fine For W.Va. Creek Pollution

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The Ohio County Development Authority may be fined nearly $26,000 over pollution of Middle Wheeling Creek near Elm Grove.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection says the fine is being considered for work done by Ohio-based Sugar Contracting. The DEP says workers failed to contain silt as they laid part of a 5-mile water line, causing a brown plume in the creek.

Ohio County Administrator Greg Stewart says contractors must follow DEP rules, and Sugar will be responsible for any fines. He says the authority is on the permit because it got grant money for the project.

Stewart says the authority can withhold final payment of $200,000 until the fine is paid.

DEP spokeswoman Kathy Cosco says no fish or wildlife was harmed.