KEY LARGO -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has levied a $12,100 fine against a Miami-Dade County woman for filling wetlands outside the scope of her permit on her Stillwright Point property.

Miriam Pino, who has built a house at 2 Stillwater Way, near mile marker 104.5, bayside, received a permit to fill in a specific "footprint" of wetlands for construction of a residence and dock, according to Corps spokesman Barry Vorse.

But instead of filling half of her 5,000-square-foot property as authorized, Pino filled about 90 percent, Corps enforcement officer Robert Kirby told the Free Press.

"The person whose name is on the permit is responsible," Kirby said. "There are several authorized permits in that area and we make random visits every week or so to make sure permit-holders are adhering to the scope of their permit."

Pino, a Coral Gables resident, could not be reached for comment, but Kirby confirmed she is in the process of paying the fine.

"We will look at the site condition and, where appropriate, we will seek restoration," he said. "In this case where the shoreline has been dredged out and a dock is on top, it would not be practical to seek restoration, therefore we will seek mitigation."

According to Vorse, the penalty amount is determined after an evaluation of the significance of the non-compliance and the environmental harm caused. Penalty amounts can range from $110 to $27,500.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program began in 1890 with the responsibility of protecting and maintaining the nation's navigable waterways.

As a result of changing public needs and evolving policy, protection has been extended to all waters of the United States, including many wetlands.

The Corps' Jacksonville District covers Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

sgibbs@keysnews.com