The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection issued a cease-and-desist letter detailing the alleged violations that occurred over a two-year period
Nevada environmental regulators have accused Elon Musk’s Boring Company of 800 violations related to its ongoing Las Vegas tunneling project. This has renewed attention on the company’s compliance practices and workplace safety record.
Stop-Work Order Targets Boring Company for Alleged Wrongdoing
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) sent a cease-and-desist letter detailing the alleged breaches over a two-year period. These include drilling without permits, releasing untreated water into city streets and storm drains, and spilling construction debris during transport, reported ProPublica. Inspectors also noted that the company did not perform hundreds of required environmental checks and failed to appoint an independent site monitor, which a previous settlement required them to do.
The infractions are connected to the building of the Las Vegas Loop, an underground transportation system that moves people in Tesla cars under the city. The Loop now spans less than a mile below the Las Vegas Convention Center, but has plans to grow to 68 miles of tunnels and more than 100 stops throughout the area.
The latest discoveries echo problems from the past. Back in 2022, the Boring Company settled with NDEP after it got caught releasing groundwater without permission. That deal allowed for daily fines, which could have added up to over $3 million this time around. However, the regulators decided on a smaller fine of $242,800. They said this lower amount would still scare them off, even with the huge number of times they broke the rules.
Musk’s Boring Company Risks Construction Stoppage Due to Ongoing Rule Breaches
State representatives mentioned that the company plans to challenge the notice. They will not enforce the fine until they sort everything out. The regulators also warned the company that if it keeps breaking the rules, they might have to stop building altogether…