California Department of Toxic Substances Control Reaches $495,000 Settlement with Defense...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) today announced a $495,000 settlement with the Joslyn Sunbank Company LLC of Paso Robles, a military and aerospace conduits and thermoplastics manufacturer. In its manufacturing process, the company routinely generates

In 2005, DTSC found a number of violations of the state's Hazardous Waste Control Law at the facility, violations that could have significant health and environmental risks. In one of the most serious violations, DTSC inspectors observed large quantities of cyanide crystals in the floor grates in the plating area adjacent to an acid tank, where acid rinse waters drip off parts. The combination of cyanide crystals and acid can produce cyanide gas. DTSC inspectors also found severe corrosion in several areas of a steel platform that holds a cyanide waste treatment tank unit. A collapse of the platform could have resulted in a tank failure, which could have caused a spill of a large quantity of cyanide waste.

"Compliance with the Hazardous Waste Control Law is critical to safeguard the environment and prevent health risks to workers and neighboring communities," said DTSC Director Maureen Gorsen. "This settlement represents another step in the department's ongoing effort to ensure safety and compliance with the state's hazardous waste management laws."

The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court entered a final judgment and permanent injunction pursuant to stipulation against Joslyn Sunbank on behalf of DTSC on March 28. Joslyn Sunbank has paid a total of $485,000 in penalties and $10,000 to the Western States Project. A copy of the judgment is available on DTSC's website at: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Projects/Sunbank.cfm

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control phone: (800) 728-6942 or visit www.dtsc.ca.gov. To report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, call the Waste Alert Hotline at (800) 698-6942.