Drivers of the local industrial services business dumped 150 gallons of oil-contaminated wastewater into a stream in Fillmore, a California Department of Wildlife investigation has found.
The spill occurred in November 2022 and was discovered by an oil company employee who has a land lease in the area, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
The worker noticed unmistakable signs of oil byproducts on the dry floors of Grimes Canyon Creek.
Drivers in the Industrial Services Business have stolen 150 gallons of contaminated wastewater in November 2022 to Fillmo Creek (Ventura County District Attorney’s Office) Drivers in the Industrial Services have stolen 150 gallons of contaminated wastewater in November 2022 to Fillmo Creek. Drivers of the Creek (Ventura County District Attorney’s Office) Industrial Services Operations in November 2022 caused 150 gallons of contaminated wastewater to Fillmo Creek in November 2022. (Ventura County District Attorney’s Office)
After reporting the spill, investigators spent a very long time finding the person responsible for tracking the source of the spill, using logbook records, photographs of the scene, witness statements, and even tire tread analysis.
A temporary driver from Advanced Industrial Services Inc., a company specializing in industrial coatings, was determined to have raided a vacuum truck into the valley leading to the stream and dumped about 150 gallons of contaminated wastewater.
The driver left the scene and did not report the spill, the DA’s office said it was a violation of environmental laws.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Advanced Industrial Services agreed to pay nearly $30,000 to resolve the case at the district attorney’s office and was ordered to follow strict rules against illegal dumping.
“This case highlights the importance of a thorough environmental investigation to protect Ventura County’s natural resources and the important role of state and local partnerships,” District Attorney Eric Nasalenko said in a news release.
Authorities will urge the public to report alleged environmental violations and protect local waterways and ecosystems.
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