From the Office of the District Attorney:
Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced today (Tuesday, Sept. 16) a
settlement with C&H Sugar Company Inc. for odor violations in 2022.
The emissions violations by C&H Sugar occurred on various dates between September 8th and October 14th, 2022, at a wastewater treatment plant the company jointly owns at Dowrelio Drive in the unincorporated community of Crockett.
Operational disruptions at the wastewater treatment plant generated excessive sewage odors that adversely affected Crockett residents. The problem was exacerbated by unusually high temperatures in the area during those periods.
Following an investigation by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), the case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for enforcement action.
“Working with BAAQMD during this process produced a compliance framework to help prevent future public nuisances,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “C&H Sugar was cooperative throughout the process and agreed to specific enhanced compliance measures.”
The judgment provides for $400,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 in costs and C&H Sugar will implement the following compliance measures: purchase and install a backup generator, replacement of existing diffuser heads in all three reactors, upgrade the “Blowers” including replacement or refurbishment of the motors, complete comprehensive internal audit of operations and establish 24-hour toll-free community hotline.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office works closely with environmental regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with air quality standards and protect public health throughout the county.
I wish our government would go after real criminals who hurt us innocent public members rather going after decent companies.
Gavin Newsom in California hates business and wants to punish them. They also seem to hate hard-working individuals.
Regulated business offers threats enough to innocent public members; unregulated business historically even more so.
“I wish our government would go after real criminals”, too, without fear or favor, but that rings rather ironic or Orwellian in these times.