Cape Cod Man Fined for Destroying Wetlands

A Chatham, Massachusetts, man who destroyed protected coastal wetlands to build a new home, boathouse and pool on his property faces nearly $400,000 in fines and remedial costs.

The state attorney general says David Rogers last year used heavy construction equipment to dig up at least 2,000 square feet of salt marsh and damaged coastal resources, including some on other people's property.

In a settlement announced Wednesday, Rogers will pay a $140,000 civil penalty, make a $39,000 donation to a coastal wetlands enhancement project, and spend up to $220,000 to restore the area he damaged.

Authorities say he was aware of the fragility of the area.

Rogers told the Boston Herald the settlement is almost identical to an offer he made a year and a half ago to remediate the situation.