TOP AIR POLLUTION PENALTIES

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has responsibility for controlling air pollution in the area. It has the power to seek court-imposed fines against polluters of from $25 to $25,000 a day, based on such factors as the extent that emissions exceed legal limits, the potential danger to the public, whether the violation was intentional or accidental and the company’s history of violations. These are the 10 highest penalties paid in April: COMPANY: Windsor Art Products Inc., Pico Rivera

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Picture frame manufacturer

PENALTY: $5,000

VIOLATION: Excessive hydrocarbons from painting operation

COMPANY: Elixir Industries, Gardena, Ontario sites

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Vehicle door manufacturer

PENALTY: $4,500

VIOLATION: Improper covering of solvent containers; operating spray painting booths contrary to permit conditions

COMPANY: Aristech Chemical Corp., Colton

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Polystyrene storage tank facility

PENALTY: $3,800

VIOLATION: Failure to obtain proper permits; operating contrary to permit conditions

COMPANY: Sikkens Aerospace Finishes, Torrance

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Aerospace paint manufacturer

PENALTY: $3,500

VIOLATION: Improper operation of degreasing equipment; improper covering of solvent containers

COMPANY: Latchford Glass Co., Los Angeles

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Glass bottle manufacturer

PENALTY: $3,200

VIOLATION: Installing glass-making equipment without proper permits

COMPANY: California Comfort Vans, Stanton

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Vehicle interior installer

PENALTY: $2,750

VIOLATION: Improper use of solvents in cleaning operation

COMPANY: E.L. Yeager Construction, Riverside

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Construction company

PENALTY: $2,700

VIOLATION: Failure to obtain and post permits to operate; excessive asphalt fumes

COMPANY: True Cast Concrete, Corona

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Concrete mixing and packaging

PENALTY: $2,600

VIOLATION: Excessive visible dust emissions; failure to obtain proper permits

COMPANY: Ashland Chemical Co., Los Angeles

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Styrene storage facility

PENALTY: $2,000

VIOLATION: Excessive odors from styrene spill

COMPANY: Unicor Federal Prison Industries, San Pedro (Terminal Island prison)

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Federal correctional institution

PENALTY: $1,900

VIOLATION: Operation of paint spray equipment without proper permits