North shore landowner applies to build wave-reduction pond

The owners of a property on Flathead Lake in Bigfork have applied to Flathead County for a permit to build a “wave attenuation pond” at 440 Holt Drive.

Roger Sortino and Jolene Dugan have applied to the Flathead County Floodplain Administrator to build a .3-acre lagoon that averages three feet deep. The pool would be excavated in conjunction with a previously permitted retaining wall, which has a gap opening that allows water from waves to enter and fill the proposed pond. The wave-attenuation pond would not function as a harbor or lagoon for boat moorage, according to the application.

Public comments are being taken on the permit application until Nov. 28. Comments can be sent to Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office, 1035 First Ave. West, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Sortino’s development project on the north shore of Flathead Lake was found in violation by the county planning office last spring for exceeding the length of a bridge being built from the mainland of the north shore out to Dockstader Island. The original permit allowed Sortino to build a 481-foot bridge, but after construction started it was determined the bridge would be 100 feet short and would not reach the island. The project was then found in violation of the permit and a stop-work order was issued. Construction resumed on the bridge with the intent to abide by the original permitted bridge length.