SCAQMD VIOLATION TRENDS – WATCH RISING SETTLEMENT AMOUNTS!

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. SCAQMD has the authority to fine and shut down sites with non-compliant operations.

Alta Environmental has once again compiled all SCAQMD Notice of Violation (NOV) settlement amounts for 2012 and 2013 to study enforcement trends. After analyzing hundreds of cases, it became clear that settlement amounts are on the rise:

• 2012 Total = $8,393,149
• 2013 Total = $9,417,488

2012-2013 Fines & Violation Trends:

• More than $9.4 million in fines from SCAQMD in 2013 – a 12% increase from 2012
• The top 8 settlements over $200,000.00 account for over half of all fines
• Large settlements related to Rule 1113 (Architectural Coatings) involving large companies: Home Depot, Custom Building Products, Pacific Polymer International, White Cap Hardware, Orchard Supply Hardware
• Maximum fine: $1,980,000

Alta Environmental tracks SCAQMD regulations and violation trends to assist our Southern California clients and their environmental attorneys. Should you be faced with an SCAQMD Notice of Violation, please contact Alta Environmental. We will be happy to share a summary of our survey and assist with your settlement negotiations.

Click below to download the SCAQMD violation trends survey results:

Alta AQMD Violation Survey 2012-2013 (PDF)

Please contact us if you need help addressing air permitting issues at 562-495-5777.

---