By Redaccion
redaccion@latinocc.com
An investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office determined that a vacuum truck operated by a temporary employee of Advanced Industrial Services, Inc. (AIS) was responsible for discharging petroleum-contaminated wastewater into Grimes Canyon Creek.
The case began on November 1, 2022, when a California Natural Resources Group employee detected petroleum residues in a dry creek bed at the Dryden oil lease facility in Fillmore. Environmental authorities launched an investigation to identify the source of the contamination.
Investigators tracked the discharge using physical evidence, logbook records, photographs, tire tread analysis, and witness statements. Findings indicated that between 4:00 and 4:49 a.m., the vacuum truck driver loaded petroleum-contaminated wastewater, backed the vehicle up to Grimes Canyon Creek, and discharged approximately 150 gallons into a ravine leading to the creek bed. The driver then left without reporting the spill, violating environmental regulations.
Penalty and Call for Public Reporting
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko emphasized the importance of environmental investigations and agency collaboration to protect the county’s natural resources.
“The goal of this settlement is to ensure that harmful discharges into our environment do not reoccur,” he stated.
As a result of the investigation, AIS reached a $29,736 settlement with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The company must also comply with a permanent injunction prohibiting the unlawful disposal of petroleum products.
Authorities urge the public to report any environmental violations to help protect local ecosystems and waterways.
