Swinerton Builders has built solar farms to slow the effects of climate change
in multiple areas across the country, however the company failed to comply with
environmental protection requirements. Now, the company is forced by the EPA and
DOJ to pay a 2.3 million dollar penalty to be divided among affected states.
Specifically, a press release from the EPA stated, “Swinerton failed to use proper
stormwater controls,” and “did not conduct regular site inspections.” Their neglect to
comply with these regulations has allowed destructive sediment into nearby waterways.
Assistant Director for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance David
Uhlmann stated, “Illegal stormwater discharges from construction projects can
contaminate municipal drinking water systems and harm aquatic life.”
Not only will the company pay its civil penalties to both the state and federal
governments, but the settlement also requires them to mitigate the damage caused by
their projects.
The $600,000 will go towards a restoration project on the Portneuf River which aims to
remove the harmful sediment discharges in the area. This will also help to restore and
reconnect the riparian and wetland habitat near the river. The EPA also stated
Swinerton has been fined for similar violations back in 2022.
