The Boring Company, owned by Elon Musk, has received an almost $500,000 fine for serious environmental violations.
Water inspectors found out that while the company had been carrying out a tunneling project to create “an underground highway”, they had allegedly caused damage to the sewer system and county manholes by dumping waste, drilling fluids, and wastewater.
Clark County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD) has reported that numerous times, workers had refused the inspector’s instructions to cease the illegal dumping of waste.
A cease-and-desist letter describes how, after a brief time, they had “feigned compliance,” a manager had “assumed district inspectors had departed the property” and therefore shortly thereafter resumed the illegal dumping.
A notice of violation obtained by Fortune describes how 12 cubic yards of “drilling mud, drilling spoils, and miscellaneous solid waste” from the company’s sewage treatment facilities needed multiple CCWRD crews for the cleanup.
Another document obtained by Fortune showcases only one other company that has received a penalty of over $100,00 by the CCWRD.
In September, a hearing was held with executives of the Boring Company and CCWRD, where the company accepted the blame for the situation.
Boring also accepted to meet “certain conditions” before continuing to tunnel into other areas.
Clear Signs of Trouble
Several months ago, the company ended up breaking ground in front of the Wynn Resort casino.
Shortly after this, the Boring Company posted a video showing the machine appearing out of the ground right in front of the casino.
Elon Musk, the owner of the Boring Company, has shared his intent for the purpose of the tunnel is to allow quicker passage through the city for both those who are visiting as well as the people residing there.
The Boring Company had claimed that at its peak, over 4000 people had been transported through the Las Vegas Loop, while also claiming to have cut their travel time significantly.
Controversy Over Safety
The beginning of Musk’s project has been plagued by controversy after controversy.
A 2024 Fortune report says that while digging, the company ended up exposing the foundations of two pillars, which had resulted in the issuance of several penalties.
The Boring Company is still contesting Health and Safety violations from 2023, where, supposedly, employees had received burns from chemicals.