By Redaccion
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The former owner of a Ventura dry-cleaning business has reached a legal settlement after the improper abandonment of hazardous materials, including chemicals used in dry-cleaning processes. The case arose after the discovery of toxic waste in Los Angeles County traced back to Unique Cleaners.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit has finalized a civil settlement with Shija Cho, former owner of Unique Cleaners, for the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste.
The case originated from the discovery of hazardous materials—including chemicals containing perchloroethylene (PERC)—abandoned in a Reseda alley in Los Angeles County in July 2024. The two 55-gallon drums, labeled as hazardous waste, were traced back to Unique Cleaners, formerly located at 2307 East Main Street in Ventura. Cho operated the business until its closure in June 2024.
Laboratory testing confirmed the waste exceeded toxicity levels allowed under both state and federal laws. One drum contained PERC, a regulated dry-cleaning solvent under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the second held used filters and sludge from dry-cleaning operations.
“Our office is committed to protecting public health and the environment by holding businesses accountable for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials,” District Attorney Nasarenko stated. “This case reinforces the responsibility business owners have to manage toxic waste responsibly, from generation to final disposal.”
Under California law, generators of hazardous waste must ensure proper storage, transportation, and disposal through licensed facilities. Unique Cleaners failed to provide legally required documentation showing the waste was managed through a certified hazardous waste hauler.
Evidence, including interviews, photographs, laboratory reports, and hazardous waste manifests, confirmed the drums were unlawfully transported and abandoned off-site.
As part of the settlement, Cho will pay $32,065 in civil penalties and costs. The agreement also imposes injunctive terms requiring compliance with hazardous waste laws at her new dry-cleaning business located in Camarillo.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Karen Wold prosecuted the case following an investigation led by District Attorney Environmental Specialist Steve Mattern. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the support of the Ventura County Environmental Health Division and the Los Angeles County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Division for their role in the case.
