Minn. firm to pay fine for sediment

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency says it has reached an agreement with an Oslo, Minn.-based construction company for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.

KFGO radio reports that Gowan Construction of will pay $40,000 to settle the claim.

The EPA says a 2010 inspection of a Gowan construction site on Interstate 29 near Fargo discovered unauthorized storm water discharges into the Sheyenne River

The EPA says Gowan and the North Dakota Department of Transportation failed to maintain storm water controls, allowing an estimated 1,100 tons of sediment to enter the river.

As part of the agreement, the state DOT has agreed to inspect active construction sites and develop a website devoted to storm water management.