The City will provide enhanced hazardous waste training due to gaps in their existing programs
Press Release | City of West Sacramento Verified Complaint for Injunction, Civil Penalties, and Other Relief | City of West Sacramento Stipulation for Final Judgment | Signed City of West Sacramento Permanent Injunction and Final Judgment Pursuant to Stipulation
Woodland, CA – May 3, 2016 – Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced today that Yolo County Superior Court Judge Timothy L. Fall ordered the City of West Sacramento to pay $74,667 in costs and supplemental environmental project after the parties reached an agreement on those terms through a stipulation. Under the Court’s order, the City of West Sacramento, as a generator of hazardous wastes, will train employees to recognize hazardous wastes and then to take the necessary steps in order to properly handle hazardous waste determinations at their City facilities.
The judgment is the result of an investigation into issues related to the City of West Sacramento’s spill handling protocols and hazardous waste recognition capabilities during the normal operations of City facilities. Several agencies were involved in the investigation including the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Yolo County Department of Environmental Health, and the District Attorney’s Office.
“Appropriate employee training when handling hazardous wastes is essential and now has been enhanced at City facilities,” stated Reisig. “We appreciate the cooperation of City of West Sacramento staff and their agreement will provide necessary training for local Yolo County businesses and is a significant step toward protection of our environment and public health.”
Prosecutors alerted the City to the alleged violations in late 2013 and City staff was cooperative throughout the continued investigation. The City has adopted and implemented new policies and procedures and training programs designed to properly train their employees regarding all facets of hazardous waste handling. To implement the supplemental environmental project, the City will fund five years of hazardous waste and hazardous material trainings for Yolo County businesses.
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