The North Tahoe Public Utility District received a slightly higher than expected fine from the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board for a 2010 sewage spill.

The board voted July 12 to fine NTPUD $239,081.25, about $7,000 more than the team investigating the spill proposed.

The board decided to increase the fine because it felt there was more harm done to Lake Tahoe clarity, Doug Smith, supervising engineering geologist, told Lake Tahoe News. The fines are calculated using various criteria designed to standardize penalties, said Smith, and the board decided to bump up the amount on a few factors.

The sewage spill occurred Dec. 19, 2010, during a heavy snowstorm. The power went out on the main line and then the generator ran out of gas. No alarms were installed to let officials know the generator was not functioning properly.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report