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EPA fines Nevada land developer and contractor for Clean Air Act violations; Two companies will pay $90,000 in fines and train personnel in county dust rules

Release Date: 8/25/2003
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano, (415) 947-4306

SAN FRANCISCO -- Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has fined Del Webb Communities in Henderson and Western States Contracting in Las Vegas $50,000 and $40,000 respectively and ordered both to ensure their employees complete local dust control classes for Clean Air Act violations of county dust rules.

Both companies were issued more than 10 notice of violation orders each from the Clark County Department of Air Quality Management. The county asked the EPA to look into the repeated violations and take federal action to ensure deterrence and compliance with county air regulations.

"All businesses must adhere to air regulations to combat the serious dust pollution problem that can plagues Las Vegas area air," said Jack Broadbent, the EPA’s Air Division Director for the Pacific Southwest Region. "Dust control solutions are out there - companies just need to inform their people and implement them."

As part of this action the companies are required to have all employees go through the Clark County Department of Air Quality Management dust control class to learn preventative measures that can be applied in the field.

Del Webb Communities and Western States Contracting violated standards from 1996 to 2000 while working land development projects that were hundreds of acres in size. The Del Webb violations occurred while working the Anthon Development in Henderson. Western States also violated while working on the Anthem Development as a contractor for Del Webb, but was also cited for violations on multiple projects throughout the greater Las Vegas area.

The companies are no longer violating county dust rules and are in the process of getting personnel trained in the county’s dust prevention program.

Particulate matter or dust pollution affects the respiratory system and can cause damage to lung tissue and premature death. The elderly, children, and people with chronic lung disease, influenza, or asthma are especially sensitive to high levels of particulate matter.