Top Air Pollution Penalties

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has responsibility to control air pollution. It can seek court-imposed fines against polluters of from $25 to $25,000 a day based on such factors as the extent that emissions exceed legal limits, potential danger to the public, whether the violation was intentional, accidental or due to negligence and the company’s history of violations. These are the 10 top penalties in March: COMPANY: Arco Products, Carson Terminal

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Gasoline bulk loading facility

PENALTY: $300,000

VIOLATION: Exceeding gasoline throughput limits on a vapor recovery system contrary to permit conditions. Money to be contributed to the AQMD Clean Fuels Fund to underwrite research into low-polluting fuels and vehicles.

COMPANY: Witco Corp., Organics Division, Santa Fe Springs

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Chemical plant

PENALTY: $42,000

VIOLATION: Storing reclaimed methanol in two above-ground storage tanks without permits to operate.

COMPANY: Fletcher Oil & Refining Co., Carson

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Refinery

PENALTY: $28,800

VIOLATION: Public nuisance violation due to sulfur-type odors, operating a boiler contrary to permit conditions, and excessive black smoke emissions. Money to be spent converting 12 fleet vehicles to propane fuel.

COMPANY: Barry Controls, Burbank

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Military engine mounts maker

PENALTY: $20,000

VIOLATION: Excessive hydrocarbons from solvent use while operating a degreaser.

COMPANY: The Vons Companies Inc., Huntington Park

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Supermarket chain

PENALTY: $20,000

VIOLATION: Failure to submit an AQMD-approved ride-sharing plan. Money to be spent on employee ride-sharing incentives over the next four years.

USC University Hospital, Los Angeles

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Hospital

PENALTY: $15,000

VIOLATION: Installing three boilers without construction permits.

COMPANY: McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Co., Torrance

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Aerospace firm

PENALTY: $14,800

VIOLATION: Using a noncomplying cleanup solvent contrary to permit conditions.

COMPANY: Ablestick Co., Gardena

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Adhesives manufacturer

PENALTY: $10,000

VIOLATION: Excessive hydrocarbons from operating a flow coater on multiple days.

COMPANY: Arco Unit No. 75, Carson

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Refinery

PENALTY: $10,000

VIOLATION: Excessive hydrogen sulfide emissions from a tail-gas stack.

COMPANY: Golden West Refining Co., Santa Fe Springs

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Refinery

PENALTY: $7,000

VIOLATION: Public nuisance violation due to fuel oil odors and excessive dust emissions, failure to identify all major components at the facility, and alteration of equipment.

COMPANY: Prestige Stations Inc., Cerritos

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Gasoline and fuel storage dispensing facility

PENALTY: $7,000

VIOLATION: Failure to maintain a vapor recovery system and operating without a valid permit at various locations.