A lawmaker says a stiffer fine would prevent truck drivers from dumping livestock manure onto Omaha streets.
Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha introduced legislation on Monday that would fine a truck driver $250 if manure spills out of a truck. Currently, the state fine for dumping from a vehicle is $100.
Mello's office says he has received several complaints about manure on U.S. Highway 75, near the Kennedy Freeway, where truckers deliver cattle to south Omaha packing houses.
Mello's aide, Trevor Fitzgerald, says some truckers don't clean their trucks after delivery, which causes significant manure spills when trucks speed and turn onto the highway. These spills can be a driving hazard.
Mello introduced a similar bill last session, but revised the legislation so it would only apply to Omaha.