Emerald Bay boulder incident draws $50,000 fine for contractor and Caltrans

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All involved parties reached a settlement today concerning the May 2018 boulder rolling incident at Emerald Bay. At that time, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) received a complaint about the contractors hired to build a retaining wall at Emerald Bay on SR89. In that complaint, a video was provided that showed equipment pushing a large boulder over the edge of the road as crews cheered. As the boulder rolled it took out or damaged several trees, including a majestic Sugar Pine.

The video had been provided by a worker on the project, view it here.

During their meeting Wednesday, TRPA's Governing Board approved a $50,000 settlement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Stewart Engineering. Besides the rock incident, other permit violations were found at the construction site.

As they inspected the site after the complaint, TRPA staff found evidence of tree damage, slope de-stabilization, and other violations to the approved permit for the project. Specifically, TRPA inspectors found that temporary implementation of Best Management Practices for erosion control had not been installed at the site. Boulders and other construction debris were found in the stream environment zone directly below the project, along with damage to several trees.

“Caltrans and Stewart Engineering were both very cooperative during our investigation.” said Steve Sweet, code compliance manager with TRPA, “Caltrans and TRPA have a significant working relationship in the Basin. We look forward to forging ahead, and feel Caltrans is as committed as we are to protecting the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.”

Caltrans and Stewart also completed a significant restoration project, mitigating the damage discovered during the inspection. As part of the restoration, TRPA approved the installation of permanent erosion controls, like placing downed trees to stabilize the slope, as well as the planting of various shrubs to inhibit erosion. Monitoring of the site will continue through November 2021 to verify that the completed work has established itself in the environment.

Permitting for Bayview project was granted to Caltrans and Stewart Engineering in the fall of 2017 and the project has since been completed.

Photos are from 501c(3) environmental education organization White Trash Brigade