Arlington-Clermont Investments LLC of Clermont, FL denies the allegations. Contractors who have worked with the developer tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity the alleged contamination of muck and silt in the water is being triggered by the fast-flowing river itself, as Arlington-Clermont contends.

The issue is stirring environmentalists because the planned 440-acre subdivision by Arlington-Clermont is being developed at the edge of the Palatlakaha River and near the sand mine located between Groveland, FL and Clermont. A polluted river could kill existing aquatic wildlife, staffers at the state agency tell GlobeSt.com.

The charges by the Department of Environmental Protection came as the developer was clearing out a canal bordering the property. The canal would allow future waterfront homeowners better access for their boats.