Nearly precisely one 12 months after the Martinez Refining Firm scattered 20 tons of poisonous, metal-laden mud on surrounding neighborhoods, the Contra Costa District Legal professional’s workplace and different companies on Thursday introduced a “joint civil enforcement motion” in opposition to the refinery.
A civil enforcement motion might function a precursor to a lawsuit, though that isn’t assured. As an alternative, attorneys will now enter a course of with MRC to “get them again in environmental compliance,” in line with Ted Asregadoo, a public info officer with the District Legal professional’s workplace. These negotiations will probably be primarily based on the notices of violations which have beforehand been filed by the varied taking part companies.
The Bay Space Air High quality Administration district, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Contra Costa County Well being are additionally concerned within the joint civil motion.
“This partnership combines our prosecutorial sources to assist guarantee we obtain the very best outcomes for the residents of Martinez,” stated Alexander Crockett, Chief Counsel of the Air District in a press release.
The transfer comes after a collection of high-profile chemical releases on the refinery during the last 12 months, damaged belief with the group, and the creation of a brand new activist class intent on redefining the connection between town of Martinez and the refinery.
Asregadoo stated the refinery was conscious of the motion previous to the announcement.
“They’re open to this course of,” Asregadoo stated. “They haven’t put up any main roadblocks.”
