Developer faces $400,00 in fines

TEMECULA, CA — Regional water officials have fined a Temecula developer more than $400,000 for allegedly violating state water laws. Real estate developer William Johnson has come under fire from water-quality officials for allegedly not adhering to proper erosion-control procedures at three construction sites in the Temecula area, the North Country Times reported. In December, the board fined Johnson and two companies he is associated with — Rancho California Highlands II and North Plaza — $203,500 for not taking steps to keep dirt and debris from two construction sites from entering local waterways, the newspaper said. Wednesday, the board fined Johnson $422,200 for failing to file for a construction permit, not submitting requested information, and grading without taking proper erosion-control measures at his Vail Lake property, the newspaper reported. John Robertus, executive officer with the San Diego regional office, said Johnson has yet to bring the property into compliance after nearly two years of notifications. A water board staff report alleged that Johnson's lack of communication with the board indicated "a degree of culpability beyond mere negligence," the newspaper said. Vail Lake is about 10 miles east of Temecula, and Johnson has filed plans with the county to build a golf resort and winery, as well as 5,000 homes there. According to the Times, Johnson said the grading that was done at his Vail Lake property was for agricultural and fire protection purposes and therefore did not fall under the regional water board's jurisdiction. He said he plans on appealing the fine. Robertus disagreed, the article stated. He said the fines could have exceeded $12 million, but that the board's goal is to bring the site into compliance. Johnson has 30 days to either pay or appeal the fine.