The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order to a longtime Fillmore area resident to cleanup rocks and other fill in the Sespe River he placed there in an attempt to build a crossing in the river.
James Van Trees has to come up with a solution to reverse the fill material and restore steelhead passage, encompassing approximately ¾ of an acre.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers first inspected Van Trees’ property last year and issued a cease and desist order demanding he stop putting rocks and dirt into the creek. The EPA later inspected the river and began its investigation. The EPA is now requiring Van Trees provide documentation of all his activity in the river since 2005. He has several deadlines over the next two months, to present a solution to the problem. Failure to meet the deadlines could result in the EPA filing charges against him.

Also, the Ventura County Resource Management Agency has noticed Van Trees of violation regarding a bridge he built across Sespe River, and an unpermitted mobile home on the property. He has until February 22 to correct the violations or face possible civil penalties.