Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

PUC staff seeking maximum fine against Western States Contracting

The staff of the Nevada Public Utilities Commission is asking the commission to levy the maximum fine against a Las Vegas contractor for damaging underground infrastructure during cable laying projects and for allegedly disregarding state safety laws and regulations.

Western States Contracting has been accused of damaging underground gas lines or reclaimed water pipes after incorrectly removing soil in violation of state law on three occasions last year. The violations occurred July 1, 2009 at Sunset Road and Durango Drive when a 4-inch natural gas line was damaged by excavators, July 29, 2009  when natural gas infrastructure was damaged at Ivy street and Metropolitan Drive, and Sept. 15, 2009 when the company damaged a 15-inch reclaimed water line at West Sunset Road and South Riley Street.

The company is accused of failing to check the ground with hand tools for underground infrastructure before excavating with heavy machinery.

The PUC staff also charge that the company three times excavated without proper clearance from USA North, an organization charged with identifying underground infrastructure ahead of digging projects.

Western States Contracting has a history of violations and settlements with the PUC that lead to staff to believe the company has a pattern and practice of repeatedly violating safety laws and regulations, the PUCN filing says.

PUC staff is seeking the maximum $200,000 penalty from the company.

The company faces a hearing in front of the Commission on the charges May 11 through 13.

Western States Contracting representatives were not available for comment this morning.

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