Simi Delays Decision on Spa Firm’s License

The Simi Valley Planning Commission has delayed a decision on revoking the license of a spa and bathtub manufacturing plant that nearby residents say produces unhealthy fumes.

The commission will decide at its July 13 meeting whether Hydro Systems violates a city code that prohibits the release of “obnoxious odors” from its plant in a light industrial park near Moreland and Madera roads.

Neighbors have asked the city to stop the styrene odors, which are created in the manufacturing of the firm’s fiberglass products. The firm began operations earlier this year after receiving city permission in November.

Although Ventura County health officials said the emissions are below levels considered unsafe, neighbors say the fumes could cause health problems. Styrene is considered a hazardous material by state and federal environmental agencies because it can cause respiratory problems, nausea and headaches at certain levels.

Also Wednesday, the commission postponed a decision to allow the firm to erect 75-foot exhaust stacks that would release the fumes higher into the air. That plan will be considered at its July 20 meeting.