Tyrone's new

$500,000 ballfields could end up costing the town a lot more if officials

discover that alleged wetlands lie under the fields.

Dennis Chase,

representing the Line Creek Association, told the Town Council Thursday

night that he believes the town is in violation of the EPA's regulations

concerning wetlands.

Chase said

he originally became aware of the site when Bob Adams Homes was considering

the location. Chase told the builders that there were potential wetlands

at the site.

Chase believes

there is up to a half-acre of wetlands on the location of the five new

ballfields and urged town officials to try and solve the problem through

a proactive attitude.

"If there's

a violation and you do it on your own, you could save up to $100,000,"

he said.

The biologist

said it was his opinion that the site did contain wetlands, but the ultimate

decision would be made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Chase also

chastened the town for faulty silt fences at the location and poor drainage

control.

"There's

three bales of straw that are not doing anything," he said.

After the meeting,

Town Manager Barry Amos said the town had every intention of checking

out the allegations, but said he believes the town will be vindicated.

"I've

looked at the National Wetlands Inventory Map and it doesn't show up,"

he said.

Amos said the

town is having engineers evaluate the site and render a recommendation.