Union Pacific to Pay $1.5 Million in Fines

Union Pacific Railroad will pay $1.5 million in fines for environmental damage in Provo and other areas of the Intermountain West.

The Daily Herald of Provo reported the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the settlement in a news release last week.

The settlement is part of a Clean Water Act enforcement action.

The funds repay the national emergency clean fund for cleanup costs at 20 rail yards in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. It also covers damage from spills of oil and coal along tracks in all three states.

In a statement on its website, Union Pacific says it works to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.

Regional Administrator Jim Martin says the EPA is monitoring Union Pacific’s efforts to improve safety and prevent environmental damage.