Union Pacific, federal government settle over alleged Clean Water Act violations in Nevada

Union Pacific settles alleged water violations

LAS VEGAS — The federal government says Union Pacific Railroad Company has agreed to settle alleged violations of the Clean Water Act in Nevada.

The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday the company will restore 122 acres of mountain-desert streams and wetlands and implement storm water controls at its construction sites.

Union Pacific also will pay $800,000 in civil penalties.

As part of the settlement, the company will restore 21 sections of Clover Creek and Meadow Valley Wash in Clark and Lincoln counties and will monitor eight major restoration areas for at least five years.

The work is estimated to cost $31 million.

A complaint alleged the company violated the Clean Water Act in 2005 by not getting permits for construction and stream alteration work in the areas.