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DEP: Workers didn't remove mangroves
Neighbors complain, but an official says the man building a boat ramp was clearing out nuisance plants.
By CAMILLE C. SPENCER
Published July 14, 2006
PORT RICHEY - The mystery about the foliage being cleared on Ebbtide Lane came to an end on Thursday. Workers have removed Brazilian peppers, a nuisance plant, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. And they have not harmed environmentally sensitive mangroves, . Dan McMullen, who owns the property where contractors are working, filed proper paperwork with DEP and the city of Port Richey to build the controversial boat ramp near his house. "Within that permit, he has the authority to remove Brazilian peppers," said Pam Vasquez, a DEP spokeswoman. "No mangrove violations out there." Residents say contractors began working after dark on Tuesday to clear what they thought were mangroves from McMullen's house. City code only allows construction work from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The noise, combined with whether McMullen had a permit to tear down what some thought were mangroves, concerned residents at Point Pleasant Harbour condos. Ruby Reed, who lives in the condos, said she was shocked to hear about DEP's findings. "That's unbelievable," she said. "I still think there's mangroves out there."
[Last modified July 13, 2006, 22:34:42]
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