OSSIPEE, N.H. (AP) – A judge has ordered a man to pay for dredging a cove that officials say he clogged with sediment by building underwater walls.

The Ossipee Bluffs Association claims the walls helped create a silt barrier that trapped leaves and other debris, gradually ruining Bradford Cove on Ossipee Lake. The Lovell River empties into the cove about two miles north of Center Ossipee on the large lake’s west side.

The homeowners’ group sought $950,000 for the cleanup, which it estimated would be the largest sediment-removal operation ever in the state.

Carroll County Superior Court Judge James O’Neill ruled that Donald Lee, of Beverly, Mass., must do the job at his “sole expense,” but indicated the state will help determine the cost and how much of the dirt and debris is his responsibility.

Lee, who represented himself in court, was at work Friday afternoon and did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

During last month’s trial, he said the association had not proved he was responsible.

“What has not been established, your honor, is what has caused the damage to the cove,” Lee said.

The association disagrees. Jed Callen, one of its lawyers, said Lee has demonstrated “a steadfast refusal to accept the expert opinions of the state” on the matter.

According to records in the case, Lee was cited for building one wall in 1989 and another in 2001. He apparently removed both walls, but too late to keep sediment from continuing to build up.

State experts said the stone and gravel walls created a giant, curved arm of silt that held back dirt and debris.

Association vice president Steven Foley said the once-pristine cove and property values around it have been devastated. The debris littered beaches, filled a boat channel and clogged an old swimming hole, Foley said.

Lee, who said he has visited the home his father bought on the lake for decades, blamed winds, natural processes and the association itself for dredging a boat basin.

A separate lawsuit by the state against Lee is scheduled for trial in the spring.