Facts

Metal Surfaces International LLC owns and operates a facility in Bell Gardens. At that facility, it provides certain services and activities related to industrial precision plating processes such as electroplating, anodizing, polishing and coloring. On December 12, 2022, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, a non-profit public benefit corporation, issued a notice of intent to file suit with Metal Surfaces and other appropriate agencies, and thereafter filed a complaint for violations of the Clean Water Act.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendants violated their industrial permit and Clean Water Act requirements by discharging pollutants into waters regulated by the Clean Water Act.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all allegations and claims, maintaining they acted in good faith to meet regulatory and environmental requirements.

Result

The case settled with the two companies agreeing to specific consent decree terms regarding managing industrial pollutants in storm water discharges and $42,500 to a foundation for environmental causes and $75,000 for costs.