Investigation discovers Union Pacific Railroad discharge violations

June 17, 2015

LENEXA, Kan. — EPA found the facility exceeded stormwater permit limits for petroleum, lead, zinc and other solids for nearly five years.

LENEXA, Kan. — Union Pacific Railroad Company and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 have agreed to settle over stormwater violations of the Clean Water Act, according to a press release.

The violations occurred at Union Pacific’s railcar maintenance and refurbishing facility in DeSoto, Montana, noted the release. The railroad will pay a penalty of $58,800 and implement a compliance plan.

EPA found the facility exceeded stormwater permit limits for petroleum, lead, zinc and other solids from September 2009 to October 2014, stated the release. The runoff feeds into Joachim Creek. Union Pacific also neglected to monitor the discharges’ pH levels.

Under the agreement, Union Pacific will conduct regular inspections, conduct proper sampling and implement best practices to prevent future pollutant discharge as part of its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, reported the release.

Click here to read the entire release.

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