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EPA, ARB ISSUE VIOLATION NOTICES TO PLACERVILLE QUARRY

Release Date: 4/28/2000
Contact Information: Leo Kay, U.S. EPA, 415-744-2201, Jerry Martin, ARB, 916-322-2990

     Agencies respond to citizen concerns over asbestos emissions

     SAN FRANCISCO   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board jointly issued notices of violation to Sierra Rock, the owner of the Weber Creek Quarry outside of Placerville, Calif. today for numerous violations, including failure to control dust emissions over the past three years.  

     As a result of Weber Creek's lack of controls, six homes within 1/3 of a mile of the site   including one used as a day care center have been exposed to harmful dust emissions.  The notices allege violation of the quarry's dust control permits that were issued to the facility by the El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District. The quarry could face fines up to $27,500 per day per violation, with potential liability running in the millions.

     "Local residents were needlessly put at risk repeatedly over the past several years due to careless operating practices," said Deborah Jordan, acting director of the EPA's Air Division in San Francisco. "Today's action should send a message to other companies that we will pursue federal enforcement if they fail to take the proper safeguards to control dust emissions."

     "The ARB has worked for some time to cut asbestos emissions from the Weber Creek Quarry.  Working together with U.S. EPA will enhance our efforts to protect the health of all people who live and work by the quarry," said Michael Kenny, ARB executive officer.

     At the quarry, the Sierra Rock company removes, crushes and screens serpentine bedrock to produce a variety of products, including roadbed material and decorative rock.  Serpentine bedrock contains varying amounts of asbestos, a known human carcinogen.  Health-related effects typically associated with exposure to dust emissions include increased respiratory symptoms, hospital admissions from respiratory causes and premature death.

     The notices of violation allege that Sierra Rock had in the past failed and may currently fail to comply with the following requirements related to controlling dust emissions, including, but not limited to:

          Install and operate water sprays on equipment to mitigate emissions

          Water down unpaved roads

          Prevent visible dust emissions from crossing the property line

          Keep relevant records and checklists

     The EPA became involved in the quarry issue after receiving numerous citizen complaints, and also receiving a request from ARB officials to initiate a joint response.  The EPA is also issuing an information request concerning the quarry's compliance status.

     The EPA and ARB  are offering to negotiate a settlement with quarry owner Loring Brunius.  If negotiations fail, the EPA and ARB will file a complaint in federal court.