The CEO of the Ocean Plaza Beach Resort on Tybee Island has been given a criminal fine of $100 for disturbing a beach dune, and he could face civil penalties of more than $1 million.
The Savannah Morning News reports that CEO Harry Spirides admitted hiring workers for $20 an hour in cash to move sand from the top of a dune during the night. The sand was moved to a lower dune area in February and early March.
The director of the Coastal Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources, Spud Woodward, said the criminal investigation has concluded, but civil penalties could be much greater. He said the maximum civil fine could be more than $1 million, but penalties rarely reach the maximum allowed.
Department officials say they want the dune restored, and Spirides has agreed to do that.
Spirides told the Morning News that it wasn't his intention to destroy the dune or harm the environment. He merely wanted to clear the walkway. "I was trying to ensure access to the beach for the hotel guests," he said.
But Tybee Council member Paul Wolff said Spirides had long been vocal about wanting the dune in front of the hotel lowered because it blocked views from some rooms.
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