Lahontan Water Board approves $850,000 penalty for Lake Tahoe sewage spill

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE – The California Department of Transportation and the North Tahoe Public Utility District will pay $850,000 in connection with a 2024 wastewater spill that discharged approximately 85,000 gallons of untreated sewage into Lake Tahoe.

The settlement approved by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board requires the parties to pay a civil fine and fund an environmental project near the spill site, which would include permanent public restrooms and drinking fountains at Secline Beach to improve the management and safe disposal of wastewater.

These improvements will further the human right to sanitation and safe drinking water in Kings Beach, an economically disadvantaged community. The project also aims to protect water quality by constructing drainage improvements for sediment and erosion control.

During its investigation following the spill, the Lahontan Water Board confirmed that a Caltrans subcontractor punctured a sewer force main on July 18, 2024. The damaged main spilled raw sewage across a highway and parking lot into the lake at Carnelian West Beach. Altogether, about 123,000 gallons of sewage were spilled on July 18-19 because of the damaged main.

Surface water sampling at and near the spill showed elevated bacteria levels and in response, local authorities issued a health advisory and closed Carnelian West Beach for 13 days and Patton Landing Beach for a week. The finalized $850,000 penalty reflects the volume of spilled sewage, the length of the beach closures and the potential for harm to beneficial uses and the environment caused by the incident.

“This settlement reinforces the importance of protecting Lake Tahoe — one of California’s most treasured resources — from sewage spills and all forms of contaminants,” said Ben Letton, Lahontan Water Board executive officer. “In addition, it will drive meaningful environmental and public health improvements and enhance access to drinking water in a disadvantaged community.”

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the quality of California’s water resources in eastern California. For more information about the Lahontan Water Board, visit its website.