By The Associated Press
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Federal officials say Union Pacific Corp. has agreed to a $1.5 million settlement involving alleged oil and coal spills in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced the settlement with the nation's largest rail operator on Thursday.
The EPA said the settlement involves operations at 20 rail yards as well as oil and coal spills in 2003 and 2004 along railroad lines in the three states.
A spokesman for the Omaha, Neb.-based railroad says the company is committed to protecting the environment and is working to ensure its response plans are up-to-date across its network.
The EPA said all but $100,000 of the fine will go to a federal trust fund used to respond to oil spills. The remainder will go to the government's general coffers.
