The developer of a controversial development site in Orange County has now been fined more than a quarter-million dollars following a series of alleged illegal construction activity.

The Department of Environmental Conservation says developers at the Clovewood housing project in South Blooming Grove have been fined $228,000 and ordered to stop work until the proper state permits are received.

Just this week, Keen Equities LLC was issued its ninth violation for allegedly using an unpermitted dye to reduce the cloudiness of a nearby stream that turned the water blue.

The DEC says it's taking action to make sure the developer complied with state law to protect the public and environment. 

"DEC is committed to holding violators accountable for damaging the environment and, for months, Keen Equities ignored the requirements necessary to protect water quality and habitat," DEC Regional Director Kelly Turturro said.

"DEC's enforcement action is the latest step in New York State's efforts to bring this site into compliance, and our staff will continue to closely oversee this site to ensure the consent order and our stringent laws and regulations are followed."

The DEC has recorded ongoing violations at the site at 505 Clove Road in the village of South Blooming Grove since May 2022 and issued multiple notices of violation that included cease and desist directives for adversely impacting the habitat of a threatened species (timber rattlesnake); engaging in construction activities without the required DEC permits; and violating water quality standards for turbidity.

News 12 contacted an attorney on record for Keen Equities LLC for comment but has not yet heard back