The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Stahl Construction discharged sediment-laden water into Nine Mile Creek on two separate occasions, according to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency investigation. The discharges happened during the construction of MnDOT truck facility in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. MnDOT was fined $19,022, and Stahl Construction was fined $17,520.
The investigation found that, in the summer of 2024, failure to maintain best management practices, an absence of best management practices for erosion and sediment control, and a lack of inspections conducted by the regulated parties contributed to pollution of Nine Mile Creek. The parties have completed a series of corrective actions, including vacuuming deposited sediment out of the creek, installing and maintaining best management practices, and conducting regular inspections as required by permit.
MPCA rules and regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment by limiting pollution emissions and discharges from facilities. When companies do not fully comply with regulatory requirements, the resulting pollution can be harmful to people and the environment.
When calculating penalties, the MPCA considers how seriously the violations affected or could have affected the environment, and whether they were first-time or repeat violations. The agency also attempts to recover the economic benefit the regulated party gained by failing to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner.