Local News in Brief : Judge Lifts Stay on Stalled Trial of SOS

Ayear-old attempt to bring the Space Ordnance Systems company to trial for alleged violations of state and county toxic-waste laws moved closer to the courtroom when a Superior Court judge lifted a stay on proceedings against the firm.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s case against the Santa Clarita Valley manufacturer of explosive devices has been mired in a legal gridlock since it was filed in August, 1984, six months after state and county officials raided a pair of SOS plants in Mint and Sand canyons, near Canyon Country.

Lawyers for SOS have argued repeatedly that the county’s complaint is vague and indefensible, winning postponements and avoiding an arraignment originally scheduled for last October.

On Tuesday, however, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Reese ordered that a stay of the proceedings be dissolved, after ruling that the county’s case was properly specific. If the ruling is not appealed, an arraignment will be rescheduled in Newhall Municipal Court before Municipal Judge H. Keith Byram, a spokesman for the court said.

SOS and three of its executives have been accused of 87 misdemeanor violations of state and county regulations governing the storage, disposal and transportation of hazardous wastes. Combined, the violations carry maximum penalties of up to 80 years in prison and fines of up to $3.6 million for each defendant.