Just lives downstream from Cayo. Flooding is a chronic problem, he says,
regularly threatening homes.
According to charging documents, Cayo told wildlife officials he'd
"already lost one home to the river" and "did not intend to lose another
home."
When officials warned him he'd need a permit, he replied he was tired of
asking for help "and he was going to finish his work…he had nothing to
lose besides his home … and already suffered several heart attacks
recently."
"I can understand where he's coming from because his house is right on the water, and if it floods, it's gone," Just said. By trying to protect his home, law enforcement says, Cayo endangered many more. He not only put his neighbors' homes at risk, but also created potentially permanent damage to the river's ecosystem by "suffocating and preventing the emergence of salmonids and other small fish."
The environmental effects "may not be felt until the 2016-2017 fish runs," one document reads.
"He should have gone the right way and gotten a permit, yes," Just said.
However, Just claims he and some of his neighbors can't always afford the cost of required permits. Court documents claim Cayo told officers he "did not need any permits to protect his home."
Cayo now faces 364 days in jail and $16,000 worth of fines. His sentencing is scheduled for April 17.
"I can understand where he's coming from because his house is right on the water, and if it floods, it's gone," Just said. By trying to protect his home, law enforcement says, Cayo endangered many more. He not only put his neighbors' homes at risk, but also created potentially permanent damage to the river's ecosystem by "suffocating and preventing the emergence of salmonids and other small fish."
The environmental effects "may not be felt until the 2016-2017 fish runs," one document reads.
"He should have gone the right way and gotten a permit, yes," Just said.
However, Just claims he and some of his neighbors can't always afford the cost of required permits. Court documents claim Cayo told officers he "did not need any permits to protect his home."
Cayo now faces 364 days in jail and $16,000 worth of fines. His sentencing is scheduled for April 17.
No comments:
Post a Comment