South Lake Tahoe Fireworks Show May Be Canceled Due To Lawsuit

A lawsuit brought against the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority (LTVA) and Pyro Spectaculars may put an end to the decades old 4th of July fireworks tradition in South Lake Tahoe.

According to Joan and Joe Truxler of Zephyr Cove, Nevada, the beach near their home was littered with fireworks debris after the July and Labor Day fireworks shows sponsored by LTVA and put on by Pyro Spectaculars. They said that they were concerned for the clarity of Lake Tahoe. Joan Truxler said the fireworks shows violate the federal Clean Water Act and that organizers didn’t get a permit for the fireworks display (though, according to documentation, they got the required permits).

A 15 page lawsuit was filed on November 5, 2013 in the United States District Court by the Truxler attorney, Mike Lozeau. Mediation was set for February 27, 2014, a meeting by March 18, 2013 with a joint report due by all parties on March 24, 2014. Calls Friday into the LTVA attorneys and Pyro Spectaculars have not been returned.

In January, the LTVA denounced the lawsuit. At the time, Executive Director Carol Chaplin said “Quite frankly, we’re disappointed in what we believe is an unnecessary lawsuit.” In 30 years, this was the first time there was any issue – it was an anomaly."

“LTVA doesn’t need to be threatened with a lawsuit,” said Chaplin. “If there’s a problem we’ll fix it. This organization has always been responsible, engaged and committed to stewardship of the Lake."

The results of the lawsuit will be discussed at a LTVA Special Session Board Meeting on Thursday, March 27 at the LTVA Executive Conference Room at 4 p.m. A message on the LTVA website states that they are "pleased to make reasonable accommodations for any citizen who wishes to attend this meeting."

A facebook page has been set up to highlight the possibility of the fireworks cancellation. "Save our Tahoe South Summer Firework Displays" was started on March 24 and is gaining popularity.