Epick Homes hit with epic fine

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has proposed that Chico-based Epick Homes be fined $20,000 for storm-water violations at a subdivision it’s building in Redding.

During inspections in January and February, according to an Aug. 11 press release, RWQB staff noted that effective erosion and sediment controls had not been provided and best-management practices had not been followed, “resulting in significant discharges from the [22-unit] Lassen Vista subdivision to surface waters” that feed into a tributary of the West Fork Stillwater Creek and thence the Sacramento River.

The RWQCB’s James Pedri said Epick could request a hearing on the proposed fine. Epick Homes did not return a CN&R phone message by press time.

Epick is owned by Pete Giampaoli, a longtime local developer. On July 17, 2007, the City Council approved his Mountain Vista/Sycamore Glen subdivision—679 dwelling units on 178 acres in northeast Chico. The project will set aside 56 acres along Sycamore Creek as a vernal-pool preserve, but it will also fill in six acres of wetlands south of the preserve.