Companies in Fullerton and La Mirada were fined for violating federal oil pollution prevention regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday.
Cargill Corp., which operates a vegetable oil terminal and packaging facility in Fullerton, was fined $135,000, said Jared Blumenfeld, an EPA regional administrator.
Cargill was charged with failing to secure and control access to oil handling processing and storage areas, failing to use safe containers and good engineering practices, including liquid alarms, to avoid discharges and failing to complete a facility response plan.
Gemsa Oil of La Mirada was fined $2,250 for failing to provide a proper plan to contain vegetable oil storage tanks.
“All companies who store oil must comply with federal standards,” Blumenfeld said. “Facilities are required to prevent spills and be prepared to respond to a worst case oil discharge emergency. Preventing spills and protecting our waterways from oil spills is essential.”
— City News Serice