On 23 June 2014, CSPA filed a lawsuit against Olam West Coast, Inc. for violations of the federal Clean Water Act and California’s General Industrial Stormwater Permit. Olam operates a 46-acre industrial facility in Gilroy that manufactures and distributes of onion and garlic products. The facility discharges pollutants into Llagas Creek, which flows to the Pajaro River and ultimately Monterey Bay.
In addition to the discharge of pollutants that exceed applicable standards, Olam failed to prepare an adequate Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, develop an adequate monitoring program and implement measures to reduce or prevent pollutants from entering waterways.
The action asks the court to: 1) declare Olam to be in violation of the Clean Water Act, 2) enjoin defendant from further violating the substantive and procedural requirements of the permit, 3) require defendant to restore the quality of waters impaired by their activities, 4) order Olam pay civil penalties for each day of violation and 5) award CSPA the costs of bringing the complaint. The Law Offices of Andrew Packard is representing CSPA in this matter.