LAS VEGAS (AP) — Operators of a coal-fired power plant outside Las Vegas are agreeing to pay $4.3 million to settle a lawsuit and clean up contamination that neighboring Native Americans blame for health problems and water pollution.
NV Energy and the California Department of Water Resources don't admit liability or wrongdoing in the proposed settlement involving the Reid Gardner Power Generation Station.
The agreement was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court. It's slated to become final Sept. 8. The power plant is due to close by 2017.
Attorney Robert Wiygul represents the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians and the Sierra Club.
He said Thursday that some of the funds are earmarked for a Moapa reservation health wellness center.
Tribe members have complained for years about soot, gases and respiratory ailments.