The struggle for cleaner air in Contra Costa County has resulted in a legal victory against C&H Sugar Company, Inc. The county's District Attorney, Diana Becton, announced a settlement over air emission violations traced back to a wastewater treatment plant partially owned by the sugar refining company. The violations occurred between September and October 2022 and were concentrated around the Dowrelio Drive facility in Crockett, an unincorporated community.
Local residents endured the brunt of this neglect, suffering offensive sewage odors intensified by an unseasonably warm weather spell. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) conducted the initial investigation into the foul emissions, which led to the involvement of the District Attorney's Office. Per the Contra Costa County website, Becton lauded the collaborative effort between the BAAQMD and her team: "Working with BAAQMD during this process produced a compliance framework to help prevent future public nuisances."
The settlement terms stipulated by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's office are expected to reinforce regulatory compliance and support local public health initiatives. C&H Sugar has agreed to pay $400,000 in civil penalties, alongside $100,000 to cover the costs of the investigation and enforcement. Additionally, the company is compelled to implement a suite of compliance measures. These measures include purchasing a backup generator, replacing the existing diffuser heads in the treatment reactors, and overhauling their blower systems.
Moreover, C&H Sugar will conduct an in-depth audit of their operational practices to identify and rectify shortcomings. They must also maintain a 24-hour toll-free community hotline, giving residents a direct line to report future concerns. As District Attorney Becton put it, per the Contra Costa County website, "C&H Sugar was cooperative throughout the process and agreed to specific enhanced compliance measures." According to legal experts, this initiative stands as a testament to the ability of the county to hold businesses accountable and safeguard its residents from environmental harm.
